February's Item of the month: Sub-marine misfortunes

05 Feb 2014

As mentioned in the previous post, our first item of the month for 2014 was delayed by some software changes and website updates, which meant that unfortunately it wasn’t possible to post an Item of the month for January. So.... January’s item has become February’s. 

Gareth takes a look at a Rare Book which explores how a millwright from East Anglia may have enjoyed the dubious distinction of becoming the first recorded sub-mariner to meet his demise as an direct result of his chosen profession!  

In June 1774 John Day had already established his submarine credentials, having managed to stay submerged for 6 hours as well as descending to a depth of 30 feet- no mean feat when most people couldn’t swim and therefore generally didn’t go under water voluntarily!

Unfortunately his next attempt to descend to 120 feet in the waters of Plymouth Sound was not a success, despite a specially fitted out and reinforced vessel, a patron and a rescue mission led by the Earl of Sandwich. Read about the enterprising but tragically unfortunate John Day with February’s item of the month here

Definitely not one to try at home!