The Golden Wreck, by A McKee

The Golden Wreck, The tragedy of the ‘Royal Charter’
by Alexander McKee

Alexander McKee, diver and military historian, is widely known as the man who lead the team of amateur divers (one of whom was John Bevan) in the discovery of the wreck of Henry VII’s flagship, Mary Rose. John’s admiration and respect for ‘Mac’ (as McKee was known by his friends) is reflected in his comprehensive collection of McKee’s books. This is one from John’s private collection.

The wreck of the Royal Charter in 1859, just a few miles from home port and 10 yards from the shore, shocked the nation. Only 40 of the 500 people onboard survived. The vessel was carrying a large amount of gold, the property of miners from the Australian Gold Rush who were returning to England on the Royal Charter. It was one of the greatest peacetime disasters in maritime history. The Golden Wreck tells the story of the vessel from wreck to courtroom and beyond.

Paperback. Fair condition. Slight rubbing to edges. Bookshop sticker on lower inside cover. Inside pages in very good condition.
Black and white and colour photographs throughout.
1988, Hodder and Stoughton, New English Library edition (revised and updated)
222 pages, 177mm x 232mm (approx. 7in x 9in)