Historic shipwreck treasures to be auctioned

Cannons, crockery and other treasures are being put up for auction

Hundreds of items recovered from shipwrecks, including cannons, crockery, and other treasures are to be auctioned.

The artefacts, dating from the 16th Century to more recent wrecks, were part of the collection at the Shipwreck Treasure Museum in Charlestown, Cornwall.

Sir Tim Smit, known for founding the Eden Project, bought the museum 10 years ago, but decided to sell both the collection and the building.

"It’s a good little business, but it doesn’t make enough surplus to turn it into the great museum it could be, so we put it up for sale because we know it will all go to very good homes," he said.

Sir Tim Smit was smitten by the museum on a visit to Cornwall

"I used to be a wreck diver and this was the first place I visited in Cornwall," said Sir Tim.

"When it came up for sale, I bought it on a whim."

Prior to the auction the Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust purchased 500 of the most historically significant items.

There are 700 remaining lots that will go under the hammer on Wednesday and Thursday.

The buildings will be sold at a later date.