Discovery of a 300-Year-Old Cannon in Kingston upon Hull

In February 2026, construction workers in Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire, unearthed a 300-year-old cannon during routine excavation work. The discovery occurred at a site where crews were engaged in a restoration project for Queen’s Gardens. The cannon, measuring nearly nine feet in length and weighing over a ton, was examined by archaeologists from Humber Field Archaeology, a unit of Hull City Council. Initial assessments suggest that the cast-iron cannon dates back to the late 17th or early 18th century and had been decommissioned, with its nozzle deliberately capped.

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The cannon is believed to have been repurposed as a mooring post, a common practice in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Peter Connelly, archaeology manager for Humber Field Archaeology, noted that the cannon was likely discarded into the dock area before it was infilled in the 1930s. This find is particularly significant as it represents only the third such discovery in the past 30 years, with previous finds including a cannon from the era of Henry VIII and a fragment from just before the English Civil War.

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Connelly remarked on the unexpected nature of the find, stating that the contractors were not anticipating discovering a cannon, as they were digging into what was expected to be typical 20th-century refuse. He emphasized the rarity of such discoveries, explaining that the cannon's presence in the backfill demonstrates how historical artifacts can be inadvertently buried during construction activities. Further analysis will be conducted to determine the cannon's origin, including whether it was manufactured in Hull, which had its own cannon makers in the late 18th century.

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While the discovery has been met with excitement from the archaeological community, some critics argue that the focus on such finds can overshadow the need for careful excavation practices in urban areas. They emphasize the importance of integrating archaeological assessments into construction planning to prevent potential losses of historical artifacts.

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The Hull City Council expressed enthusiasm about the discovery, highlighting its potential to provide insights into the region's maritime history. Connelly stated, “This discovery just goes to show that people will deposit anything in a conveniently large hole in the ground when it is being backfilled,” underscoring the unpredictable nature of archaeological finds.

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• “This discovery just goes to show that people will deposit anything in a conveniently large hole in the ground when it is being backfilled.” — Peter Connelly, Archaeology Manager, Humber Field Archaeology

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• “I’ve never dug up anything like this. The main things you dig up are small bottles, bits and bobs like that, just junk, but not really anything as significant as this,” — Jon Jacobs, Construction Worker

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The discovery of the cannon not only enriches the historical narrative of Kingston upon Hull but also serves as a reminder of the hidden treasures that may lie beneath urban landscapes, awaiting discovery during routine construction work.

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