The White Ship

The White Ship was extraordinary for its time, as usually ships were waterproofed with black pitch and this one might have been limed to distinguish it as the most prestigious royal vessel that sailed the seas. It was certainly the largest, with a massive 50 of the very best oarsmen, so when it set sail on a calm November day in 1120, it sought to out rival the Ming’s ship that had set sail a few hours previously from Barflour in Normandy and heading to Southampton. 

The day began with Captain FitzStephen of the White Ship requesting King Henry I to honour him on the White Ship for the voyage across the Channel, but King Henry decided to leave earlier but offered his son, the Prince and his entourage to accompany the Captain. Prince William, upon boarding and his men immediately got drunk and very rowdy, commanding the oarsmen to out strip the King in making it Southampton first. 

When the White Ship hit the rocks of Quillebeuf, the Prince was placed in a boat for safety, but his half sister, Countess Matilda, cried for him to save her and his boat returned and was upturned by drowning men. There was only one survivor, Bertold from whom the story was told. 

 

Henry I had 22 illegitimate children, and his sole heir was drowned that day. One person who might have sailed that day was Stephen of Blois, and he seized the throne upon the death of the king. He was succeeded by Matilda’s son, Henry II. 

Earl Spencer writes this story in a new book titled ‘The White Ship’ the wreck of which is being researched and will be recovered with a full scale reconstruction planned. 

Review by Wendy Stokes https://wendystokes.co.uk