The ship was built between 1626-1628 in an effort by the Swedish King to get some fire power for his current was with Poland. On its maiden voyage on 10 August 1628 the ship foundered and sank after sailing only about 1,500 metres into Stockholm harbour. About 30 people (of the 150 thought to have been on board) died. The sinking occurring in full sight of the hundreds (if not thousands) who would have been standing on shore watching the event. Many onboard were not sailors as the crew would have been permitted to bring family members along for the occasion. In fact several of the remains found were of likely family members. The ship was forgotten in the years after her bronze cannons were recovered about 60 years after the sinking. It was not located again until the late 1950s and after a two year effort was finally raised. It was so well preserved that it could float after the gun portals were sealed and water and mud were pumped out. It then took about 15 years to prepare and conserve the timbers etc and is now in its second climate controlled building. The remains of at least 15 people were recovered - some still with clothing and personal possessions nearby. The wreck was so well preserved for several reasons: the low salinity of the Baltic sea, the absence of sea worms which normally devour sunken timber and the fact that it was in a sheltered harbour protected from storms. It was raised 333 years after it sank.
The hull was about 61m x 12m. The stern was 19m high and the main mast over 50m tall. Overall the ship was about 69m long. It carried 10 sails, 6 of which were found inside when it was recovered. It had two gun decks - which was a first for a Swedish ship - with 64 cannon. The remains in the museum weigh about 700 tonne and there are 5 levels of viewing in the building. It was difficult to get photos a) because of the size and b) as it was so dark inside the building. We spent several hours not merely looking at the ship but also at the excellent background information in the other exhibits.
The hull was about 61m x 12m. The stern was 19m high and the main mast over 50m tall. Overall the ship was about 69m long. It carried 10 sails, 6 of which were found inside when it was recovered. It had two gun decks - which was a first for a Swedish ship - with 64 cannon. The remains in the museum weigh about 700 tonne and there are 5 levels of viewing in the building. It was difficult to get photos a) because of the size and b) as it was so dark inside the building. We spent several hours not merely looking at the ship but also at the excellent background information in the other exhibits.
