After more than two decades and over 1,000 trips to Margam Beach in Neath Port Talbot, hobby treasure hunter Peter Hughes, 69, uncovered a massive hoard of gold coins and artefacts from the 1583 wreck of the merchant vessel Ann Francis. Storms had stripped away the sand concealing the wreck, revealing a treasure that includes rare gold coins from the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, a Boatswain's whistle, and a combination lock from one of the ship's wooden chests.
Discovery and Overwhelming Excitement
Peter described the moment he found the first coin: "When I lifted the coin from the sand, and the sand fell off the coin, it glowed like the sun in my hand. I was overwhelmed, because I saw the figure of a saint holding a ship, Saint Vincent, and I thought it was a token at first. But when I turned it over and saw the shield of Portugal, then I knew it was a coin. I was overwhelmed with excitement, the thrill was unbelievable."
Despite most trips ending with nothing found, Peter said he was fortunate to have a high tolerance for disappointment and that the thrill of searching kept him going. The Ann Francis was blown off course during a ferocious storm while returning from Spain in 1583, carrying a valuable cargo of grain. The ship's owner, Francis Shaxton of Kings Lynn, lost both the vessel and its payment when it wrecked on Margam Beach.
Historical Significance and Display
It is estimated that only a quarter of the money aboard the Ann Francis has ever been recovered. The collection, which includes a Spanish doble excelente gold coin portraying Ferdinand and Isabella, has now gone on public display for the first time at the National Waterfront Museum. Peter initially did not know what to do with the discoveries before contacting Amgueddfa Cymru, Wales' national museum. "The objects and the treasure belong to the people, and belonged to the heritage of Wales," he added.
Alastair Willis of Amgueddfa Cymru said: "Not only are the coins and artefacts spectacular, but they are backed up by a wealth of contemporary records that bring together stories of sailors, looters, lords, a smuggler and even a woman accused of witchcraft. These stories and the collection are fascinating, and it is wonderful that Amgueddfa Cymru has the opportunity to display them."
Museum and Protection
Nicole Deufel of the National Waterfront Museum said: "We are delighted to be presenting this fascinating hoard from the Ann Francis for public display for the first time. As the National Waterfront Museum continues on its journey of redevelopment, bringing this wonderful collection of objects to the museum is a fitting addition to our displays as we move towards being focused on telling the stories of Wales and its connections and relationship with the sea. We can't wait for visitors to find out more about this significant historical treasure that was discovered on Welsh shores."
The stretch of Margam Beach where the treasure was discovered is now a protected site to preserve any remaining evidence of the shipwreck, making it illegal to search there.
