Latest news with #Stuart-era
Fox News
14 hours ago
- Science
- Fox News
Divers reveal images of 321-year-old shipwreck in remarkable condition off coast
A preserved shipwreck from 1703 was recently documented in stunning detail for the first time – with experts cautioning that it may not stay this way for very long. Researchers dove off the coast of Kent, England, to view the wreck of "The Northumberland" last summer. The Stuart-era ship was built in 1679 and sank during the Great Storm of 1703. (See the video at the top of this article.) The site was designated a Protected Wreck Site in 1981 — but it hasn't been seen so clearly until now. Officials revealed the results of the dive on July 31, sharing pictures of a shipwreck covered by marine sediment. The sands have aided the survival of the wreck, which is roughly 50 to 65 feet underwater. The dive was conducted by Historic England, British coastal contractor MSDS Marine and Dan Pascoe, the licensee of the wreck. Historic England told Fox News Digital that divers found an extensive hull structure, exposed deck planks and the wooden frame of the ship – which is "much more than previously thought." Among the finds were multiple wooden chests – some still containing musketballs – as well as one sealed chest with unknown contents. Researchers also came across seven iron cannons, along with copper cauldrons and rope. Experts cited shifting sands as the main threat to the wreck. Hefin Meara, a maritime archaeologist at Historic England, told Fox News Digital the sand on the coast of England is "highly dynamic." Only the most robust materials, such as anchors and iron cannons, tend to survive. "The Goodwin Sands provide an excellent environment for the preservation of organic material, such as ship timbers, rope and other objects," he said. "Once the sand cover migrates away from the wreck site, biological and physical processes can cause the wreck to deteriorate very quickly," he also said. "'The Northumberland' has so much potential to tell us more about the English Navy and ships of the period." He noted that archaeologists will continue focusing on surveying the site instead of removing the artifacts, which could jeopardize the integrity of the site. Pascoe noted that "The Northumberland" "has the potential to be one of the best-preserved wooden warships in the U.K." MSDS's Alison James emphasized the wealth of information that the wreck could provide about the Stuart era. "'The Northumberland' has so much potential to tell us more about the English Navy and ships of the period," she said. Many historic shipwrecks have been found and documented across the United Kingdom in recent years. In Feb. 2024, a teenager found an American Revolution warship on a Scottish beach. More recently, a former military pilot identified a 19th-century shipwreck in the English Channel.
The Independent
24-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Historic step to scrap discriminatory ‘relic of a past age' set to become law
A ban on Roman Catholics representing the King at the Church of Scotland's general assembly – branded 'a relic of a past age' – is on the verge of being abolished. The historic move at Westminster will scrap 'an archaic legal restriction' that has 'no place' in a modern society, Cabinet minister and Leader of the Lords Baroness Smith of Basildon told Parliament. The measure will allow Lady Elish Angiolini KC, a practising Roman Catholic, to be appointed as Lord High Commissioner of Scotland. In the role, the distinguished lawyer and academic will serve as the King's personal representative at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, which meets in May each year. The existing legal bar dates back to the Stuart-era Claim of Right Act 1689, which blocked Catholics from the throne and other public offices. Much of it was repealed in the following years, most notably in the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829, but some restrictions remained, including for the role of Lord High Commissioner. The arcane discriminatory law is poised to be overturned by The Church of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner) Bill, which has now cleared both Houses of Parliament and is set to receive royal assent. Lady Elish was Scotland's first female lord advocate, and she served both Labour and SNP governments in Holyrood, from 2006 to 2011. She went on to become the principal of St Hugh's College, Oxford, and is a pro vice chancellor of the university. Since 2023, she has served as the Lord Clerk Register, the first woman to hold the oldest of the great offices of state in Scotland since its creation in the 13th century. Lady Elish has also led several inquiries, including a review of deaths in police custody and the high-profile investigation into the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard by off-duty police officer Wayne Couzens. Speaking in the Lords, Lady Smith said the legislation had 'a simple aim'. She said: 'It is designed to remove a legal barrier that prevents Roman Catholics holding the office of Lord High Commissioner. 'The upcoming appointment of Lady Elish Angiolini as the first Roman Catholic Lord High Commissioner would have been blocked by historic legislation if it were not for this Bill. 'Her appointment is a strong gesture of good faith, co-operation and togetherness between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church in Scotland.' Lady Smith added: 'Lady Elish is an accomplished public servant. 'There is only one obstacle that prevents her taking up the role, and that is an archaic legal restriction. 'By passing this Bill removing the restriction, the House can give its support to Lady Elish with our best wishes for her tenure as Lord High Commissioner. 'It is a practical step to remove a relic of a past age that has no place in today's society.' Tory shadow leader in the upper chamber Lord True said: 'This House bears great good will towards Lady Elish as she takes on this appointment.'
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Historic step to scrap discriminatory ‘relic of a past age' set to become law
A ban on Roman Catholics representing the King at the Church of Scotland's general assembly – branded 'a relic of a past age' – is on the verge of being abolished. The historic move at Westminster will scrap 'an archaic legal restriction' that has 'no place' in a modern society, Cabinet minister and Leader of the Lords Baroness Smith of Basildon told Parliament. The measure will allow Lady Elish Angiolini KC, a practising Roman Catholic, to be appointed as Lord High Commissioner of Scotland. In the role, the distinguished lawyer and academic will serve as the King's personal representative at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, which meets in May each year. The existing legal bar dates back to the Stuart-era Claim of Right Act 1689, which blocked Catholics from the throne and other public offices. Much of it was repealed in the following years, most notably in the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829, but some restrictions remained, including for the role of Lord High Commissioner. The arcane discriminatory law is poised to be overturned by The Church of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner) Bill, which has now cleared both Houses of Parliament and is set to receive royal assent. Lady Elish was Scotland's first female lord advocate, and she served both Labour and SNP governments in Holyrood, from 2006 to 2011. She went on to become the principal of St Hugh's College, Oxford, and is a pro vice chancellor of the university. Since 2023, she has served as the Lord Clerk Register, the first woman to hold the oldest of the great offices of state in Scotland since its creation in the 13th century. Lady Elish has also led several inquiries, including a review of deaths in police custody and the high-profile investigation into the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard by off-duty police officer Wayne Couzens. Speaking in the Lords, Lady Smith said the legislation had 'a simple aim'. She said: 'It is designed to remove a legal barrier that prevents Roman Catholics holding the office of Lord High Commissioner. 'The upcoming appointment of Lady Elish Angiolini as the first Roman Catholic Lord High Commissioner would have been blocked by historic legislation if it were not for this Bill. 'Her appointment is a strong gesture of good faith, co-operation and togetherness between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church in Scotland.' Lady Smith added: 'Lady Elish is an accomplished public servant. 'There is only one obstacle that prevents her taking up the role, and that is an archaic legal restriction. 'By passing this Bill removing the restriction, the House can give its support to Lady Elish with our best wishes for her tenure as Lord High Commissioner. 'It is a practical step to remove a relic of a past age that has no place in today's society.' Tory shadow leader in the upper chamber Lord True said: 'This House bears great good will towards Lady Elish as she takes on this appointment.'
The Independent
19-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Lords back lifting of ban on Catholics representing King at Church of Scotland
The ban on Roman Catholics representing the King at the Church of Scotland's general assembly is set to be lifted in a 'historic gesture of goodwill'. The 'long overdue' measure will allow the appointment of Lady Elish Angiolini KC, a practising Roman Catholic, to serve as Lord High Commissioner of Scotland this year. The Lord High Commissioner is the monarch's personal representative at the general assembly of the Church of Scotland, which meets in May each year. The ban, which peers branded 'shameful', dates back to the Stuart-era Claim of Right Act 1689, which barred Catholics from the throne and other public offices. Much of it was repealed in the following years, most notably in the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829, but some restrictions remain, including for the role of Lord High Commissioner. In fact, the 1829 Act explicitly kept this particular anti-Catholic law and it has remained on the books ever since, despite there being no such restrictions for people of other Christian denominations, other religions or no religion. The Church of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner) Bill received universal praise during its second reading in the House of Lords on Wednesday for reversing this legal relic. Leader of the House of Lords Baroness Smith of Basildon said: 'Lady Elish's appointment will be a historic gesture of unity, goodwill and collaboration between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church in Scotland… 'This combined effort between the two denominations is a welcome demonstration of how people from different religions and backgrounds in our society can unite to emphasise the values and issues that unite us all and also acknowledge our differences with respect.' Shadow leader of the House of Lords Lord True assured peers of the Opposition's 'full support' for the Bill, branding the Lord High Commissioner 'one of the most significant roles in Scottish public life'. He said: 'This Bill is an important step towards full equality for Roman Catholics under British law, and there is in fact a long Conservative tradition in supporting Catholic emancipation.' The repeal of the Catholic ban will enable distinguished lawyer and academic Lady Elish to served as Lord High Commissioner in May. Lady Elish was Scotland's first female Lord Advocate, and she served both Labour and SNP governments in Holyrood, from 2006 to 2011. She went on to become the principal of St Hugh's College, Oxford, and a Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford. Since 2023, she has served as the Lord Clerk Register, the first woman to hold the role since its creation in the 13th century. Lady Elish has also led several investigations and inquiries, including a review of deaths in police custody and the Angiolini Inquiry into the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard by off-duty police officer Wayne Couzens. Lord Hope of Craighead, who was Lord High Commissioner in 2015 and 2016, said: 'This is a necessary reform, which clears the way for Dame Elish Angiolini to take up her appointment in just a few weeks time. 'But it will settle the issue for the future, which in itself is very much to be welcomed.' Referring to his experience in the role, he said: 'The question as to which denomination of the Christian faith the person belongs is wholly immaterial to his or her ability to perform the duties of that office.' Liberal Democrat peer Lord Wallace of Tankerness, a former moderator of the general assembly, said the Bill 'brings us into the 21st century'. He noted that Lady Elish is of Irish descent, and highlighted the Church of Scotland's 'shameful' history of anti-Irish rhetoric, particularly in the 1920s and 30s. Former Scottish Labour leader Baroness Alexander of Cleveden added: 'It is right and proper to acknowledge how sectarianism scarred the Kirk (Church of Scotland) and Scottish society and in the inter-war years.' The general assembly is the governing body of the Church of Scotland, which meets annually to make laws and set the agenda for the Church. As the King is not the head of the Church of Scotland or a member of the assembly, there is no requirement for his representative to be a Presbyterian or member of the Church. They do not participate in the work of the assembly or perform any religious duties. The Lord High Commissioner plays a ceremonial role, giving an opening and closing speech, and attending business on behalf of the monarch. They observe proceedings and later report these to the King, and they also host events, visit organisations and carry out any other duties in the monarch's absence. The removal of the barrier to Catholics serving in the role follows the St Margaret's Declaration in 2022, a declaration of friendship between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church in Scotland.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lords back lifting of ban on Catholics representing King at Church of Scotland
The ban on Roman Catholics representing the King at the Church of Scotland's general assembly is set to be lifted in a 'historic gesture of goodwill'. The 'long overdue' measure will allow the appointment of Lady Elish Angiolini KC, a practising Roman Catholic, to serve as Lord High Commissioner of Scotland this year. The Lord High Commissioner is the monarch's personal representative at the general assembly of the Church of Scotland, which meets in May each year. The ban, which peers branded 'shameful', dates back to the Stuart-era Claim of Right Act 1689, which barred Catholics from the throne and other public offices. Much of it was repealed in the following years, most notably in the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829, but some restrictions remain, including for the role of Lord High Commissioner. In fact, the 1829 Act explicitly kept this particular anti-Catholic law and it has remained on the books ever since, despite there being no such restrictions for people of other Christian denominations, other religions or no religion. The Church of Scotland (Lord High Commissioner) Bill received universal praise during its second reading in the House of Lords on Wednesday for reversing this legal relic. Leader of the House of Lords Baroness Smith of Basildon said: 'Lady Elish's appointment will be a historic gesture of unity, goodwill and collaboration between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church in Scotland… 'This combined effort between the two denominations is a welcome demonstration of how people from different religions and backgrounds in our society can unite to emphasise the values and issues that unite us all and also acknowledge our differences with respect.' Shadow leader of the House of Lords Lord True assured peers of the Opposition's 'full support' for the Bill, branding the Lord High Commissioner 'one of the most significant roles in Scottish public life'. He said: 'This Bill is an important step towards full equality for Roman Catholics under British law, and there is in fact a long Conservative tradition in supporting Catholic emancipation.' The repeal of the Catholic ban will enable distinguished lawyer and academic Lady Elish to served as Lord High Commissioner in May. Lady Elish was Scotland's first female Lord Advocate, and she served both Labour and SNP governments in Holyrood, from 2006 to 2011. She went on to become the principal of St Hugh's College, Oxford, and a Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford. Since 2023, she has served as the Lord Clerk Register, the first woman to hold the role since its creation in the 13th century. Lady Elish has also led several investigations and inquiries, including a review of deaths in police custody and the Angiolini Inquiry into the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard by off-duty police officer Wayne Couzens. Lord Hope of Craighead, who was Lord High Commissioner in 2015 and 2016, said: 'This is a necessary reform, which clears the way for Dame Elish Angiolini to take up her appointment in just a few weeks time. 'But it will settle the issue for the future, which in itself is very much to be welcomed.' Referring to his experience in the role, he said: 'The question as to which denomination of the Christian faith the person belongs is wholly immaterial to his or her ability to perform the duties of that office.' Liberal Democrat peer Lord Wallace of Tankerness, a former moderator of the general assembly, said the Bill 'brings us into the 21st century'. He noted that Lady Elish is of Irish descent, and highlighted the Church of Scotland's 'shameful' history of anti-Irish rhetoric, particularly in the 1920s and 30s. Former Scottish Labour leader Baroness Alexander of Cleveden added: 'It is right and proper to acknowledge how sectarianism scarred the Kirk (Church of Scotland) and Scottish society and in the inter-war years.' The general assembly is the governing body of the Church of Scotland, which meets annually to make laws and set the agenda for the Church. As the King is not the head of the Church of Scotland or a member of the assembly, there is no requirement for his representative to be a Presbyterian or member of the Church. They do not participate in the work of the assembly or perform any religious duties. The Lord High Commissioner plays a ceremonial role, giving an opening and closing speech, and attending business on behalf of the monarch. They observe proceedings and later report these to the King, and they also host events, visit organisations and carry out any other duties in the monarch's absence. The removal of the barrier to Catholics serving in the role follows the St Margaret's Declaration in 2022, a declaration of friendship between the Church of Scotland and the Catholic Church in Scotland.
