"Lost at Sea for Centuries: HMS Invincible's Forgotten Sailors May Soon Be Exhumed. A poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the Napoleonic Wars is at risk of being lost to the sands of time, as coastal erosion threatens to expose the remains of 119 sailors who drowned when HMS Invincible sank off the Norfolk coast in 1801. The ship, bound for the Battle of Copenhagen, met its fate in treacherous waters, and its crew was hastily buried in a mass grave at St Mary's church in Happisburgh, the nearest village to the shipwreck. Now, with the threat of coastal erosion looming, officials are considering exhuming the sailors' remains to prevent them from being washed away, sparking a debate about the dignity and respect due to those who have given their lives in service."
Bodies were buried in Happisburgh after HMS Invincible sank in 1801 on way to join Nelson at Battle of CopenhagenA mass grave for 119 sailors who drowned more than 200 years ago could be exhumed to avoid their remains being exposed by coastal erosion.HMS Invincible sank off the Norfolk coast in 1801 on its way to join Horatio Nelson’s fleet at the Battle of Copenhagen. The recovered bodies of those who drowned were buried at St Mary’s church in Happisburgh, the nearest village to the shipwreck. Continue reading...
