Cannon Balls

Cannon balls are the most common projectile recovered from the Queen Anne’s Revenge site, ranging in size from ½ to 24 pounds. Solid shot was used to pierce the sides of a wooden-hulled ship. Well aimed volleys of this type of shot could do permanent damage to an enemy ship, potentially disabling weaponry or causing them to sink. Cannon balls are not only found in concretion across the site, but several of the cannon recovered and cleaned have been loaded with a cannon ball as well. Almost 400 cannon balls have been identified so far! We have also found “sprues,” conical bits of iron that result from the cannon ball casting process. These would not have been cast on board, but maybe the pirates used them as langrage.

Updated 03/02/18 Courtney Page