Along Cornwall's rugged 250-mile coastline lies an underwater museum of maritime history, with an estimated 6,000 shipwrecks scattered across its seabed. As a jewellery designer deeply inspired by Cornwall's coastal heritage, I find these silent testimonies to our maritime past utterly fascinating. 

The Legendary Manacles Reef: Perhaps the most notorious of Cornwall's diving locations is the Manacles Reef, often referred to as "The Graveyard of Ships." Here lies the SS Mohegan, one of Cornwall's most significant wreck sites. This 482-foot steamer met her fate in 1898, now resting in approximately 30 metres of water, providing an atmospheric dive site for experienced underwater explorers.

The Lizard Peninsula's Hidden Treasures: The waters around the Lizard Peninsula hold some of Britain's most historically significant wrecks. The area's treacherous rocks and strong currents have claimed countless vessels over centuries, including merchant ships, military vessels, and even ancient trading boats. Each wreck tells a story of Cornwall's rich maritime history, from the age of sail through to the steam era.

 Historic Wrecks of Note 

• The Escuriel (1895): Recently discovered off Portreath after 129 years
• HMS Primrose: Lost on the Manacles in 1809
• The Coronation: A 90-gun second-rate ship of the line wrecked in 1691

Conservation and Marine Life: These wreck sites aren't just historical monuments; they've become thriving artificial reefs, supporting diverse marine ecosystems. Divers often encounter conger eels, jewel anemones, and various species of wrasse among the skeletal remains of these vessels. This underwater transformation mirrors the way our coastline continues to inspire and evolve, much like the evolving designs in our jewellery collections.

Diving Practicalities: For those interested in exploring these underwater time capsules, several local diving operators offer guided tours of the most accessible sites. The best diving conditions typically occur between May and September, when visibility can reach up to 20 metres on good days.

A Legacy Preserved: These shipwrecks serve as powerful reminders of Cornwall's maritime heritage, each with its own story of triumph, tragedy, and survival. As we continue to explore and document these sites, we ensure that these important chapters of our coastal history are preserved for future generations.