The Mariner's Mirror Podcast

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Shipwrecks of Malta: Maritime Malta 2 Nov 21, 2025

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Malta’s strategic location at the centre of the Mediterranean, combined with its long maritime history, means that its sea-beds are rich with heritage. In this episode we explore Malta's astonishing underwater cultural heritage, managed by Heritage Malta.

Visiting the headquarters of Malta's Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit, Dr Sam Willis speaks with Maja Sausmeka, the Senior Principal Officer for Maritime Archaeology at Heritage Malta. They discuss in depth Gozo's Phoenician shipwreck, the oldest known in the Central Mediterranean, located at 110 meters off Gozo's coast. The wreck, dating back to the 7th century BC, contains amphorae, urns, and grinding stones. They discuss recent projects, including shallow water excavations in Salina Bay and deep water excavations of a range of sites, including a wealth of sunken ships and planes from the Second World War. The team uses 3D photogrammetry for documentation and aims to create a sonar map of Malta's entire seabed to protect and manage underwater heritage effectively. They discuss in detail the richness of Malta's underwater heritage and the ongoing challenges of protecting it.

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Valletta's Grand Harbour and the Rolex Middle Sea Race: Maritime Malta 1 Nov 19, 2025

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This is the first episode in a new mini series on the rich and fascinating maritime history of Malta. The episode is recorded on a yacht in the centre of Valletta's historic Grand Harbour, at the opening of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, one of the world's most famous yacht races. Dr Sam Willis uncovers the history of the race and its magnificent historic surroundings with Liam Gauci from Heritage Malta, which safeguards Malta's many museums, historic sites and landmarks. They discuss the economic and strategic importance of the Grand Harbour, the fortified cities of Valletta and Birgu, and the mighty Fort St Elmo and Fort St Angelo. They explore the role of the Knights of St. John in shaping Malta's history. As the race gets underway with cannon fire from the historic battlements and the magnificent yachts sail past, they discuss the Rolex Middle Sea Race, which began in the 1960s in a fierce rivalry between British and Maltese sailors. It was designed as a major test of seamanship, the race starting and finishing in Valletta after a circumnavigation of Sicily, and all in the unstable weather of the Mediterranean Autumn.

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The Frozen Frontier: The Scottish National Antarctic Expedition, 1902-04 Nov 04, 2025

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Dr Sam Willis and archivist Zach Schieferstein discuss the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition of 1902-1904 led by William Spears Bruce. The expedition's vessel, the Scotia, was extensively rebuilt for polar exploration, featuring two laboratories and advanced scientific equipment. The Scotia established Omond House, the first permanent weather station in the South Orkney Islands, and collected foundational data on Antarctic seas. Despite challenges, the expedition made significant scientific contributions, including the first oceanographic exploration of the Weddell Sea. The Scotia later served as a weather ship and freighter before sinking in 1916. Sam and Zach met at the archives of Lloyd's Register to explore this fascinating history through a variety of important original documents.

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HMS Victory's Conservation Oct 22, 2025

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In this episode, Dr Sam Willis discusses the conservation of HMS Victory. As the flagship of Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar, Victory holds immense historical and cultural significance, but preserving her is proving to be a monumental challenge.

Simon Williams, who leads the ship’s conservation project 'HMS Victory: The Big Repair', shares the unexpected realities of working on the 260-year-old wooden vessel, including the discovery of extensive degradation. What began as a plan to replace six futtocks has grown into a massive effort to conserve 150 futtocks on the starboard side alone. With limited documentation from previous restorations, Simon explains how the team navigates risk management and decision-making in uncharted territory. Simon also discusses the delicate balance between public access and preservation, revealing how the team has had to repair structural elements while ensuring visitor safety and offering the public a rare opportunity to witness conservation in action. He reflects on the privilege of working on HMS Victory, and his fascination with the hidden stories embedded in the ship’s construction and maintenance. To ensure future generations can continue this work, the team is creating a detailed historical record of the conservation process - laying the foundation for informed maintenance and repair for years to come.

Carolina Sophie Henham also offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily realities of conservation work, from managing water ingress to battling persistent pests like the 'Death Watch' beetle, which is notoriously resistant to traditional treatments and particularly fond of oak, HMS Victory’s primary timber. Carolina explains the difficulty of treating infestations without compromising the ship’s structure, and shares insights into the team’s ongoing research into sustainable pest control methods. She also discusses the innovative approaches being explored to protect this historic vessel.

Tony Noon offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the conservation workshop at the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth, revealing bays dedicated to tasks like laminating futtocks and carving ornate timbers. The space also houses materials and artefacts from other historic ships, showcasing the broader scope of maritime preservation. This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the most ambitious maritime conservation projects in recent years.

This episode is supported by the Society for Nautical Research, the Save The Victory Fund (STVF) and the Lloyd's Register Foundation.

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Where Nelson Died Oct 21, 2025

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In this commemorative episode of Mariner’s Mirror Podcast, host Dr Sam Willis marks the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar by exploring the exact location and circumstances of Admiral Lord Nelson’s death aboard HMS Victory on the 21st of October 1805. Joined by Andrew Baines, Executive Director of Museum Operations at the National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth, and Dr Dan O’Brien, historian of undertakers and funerals in Eighteenth Century England, the discussion unfolds on the very decks where history was made - the quarter deck where Nelson was shot, and the orlop deck where he died.

This episode offers a poignant reflection on the emotional weight that the decks of the Victory still retain. Baines observes how visitors respond to these spaces onboard the ship, noting the evolving significance and the solemn atmosphere on the flagship. The plaque on the quarter deck is polished every morning by the Royal Navy crew to commemorate Nelson's death. Once a functional part of the ship, the purpose of the orlop was forever transformed by the events of Trafalgar. O’Brien explores how this quiet, confined area has become a site of reverence - not only for Nelson’s final moments but also for the countless anonymous sailors who perished. These spaces onboard HMS Victory now stand as a powerful reminder of sacrifice, legacy, and the human cost of naval warfare.

Listeners are immersed in the chaos of battle on October 21, 1805, with vivid accounts of Nelson’s final moments, the ship’s damage, and the emotional impact on the crew. The episode also reflects on the significance of HMS Victory as a national memorial, contrasting it with Trafalgar Square and other public monuments. This is more than a retelling - it’s a journey into the heart of naval heritage, recorded on the ship that still carries Nelson’s legacy.

This episode is supported by the Society for Nautical Research, the Save The Victory Fund (STVF) and the Lloyd's Register Foundation.

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Lifeboats and Lessons: Memories of Safety at Sea Oct 14, 2025

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Studying the history of safety at sea reveals how hard-earned lessons from past tragedies have shaped the protections we rely on today. For centuries, seafaring was one of the most dangerous human activities. Shipwrecks, storms, fires, and collisions claimed countless lives, often because of poor ship design, inadequate training, or the absence of regulations. By understanding this history, we see how each disaster spurred reforms—from better lifeboats and signalling systems to international safety standards. Time and again, loss of life at sea prompted innovations in navigation, weather forecasting, and shipbuilding. Its a history that highlights the human dimension of maritime safety, reminding us of the bravery of sailors, the grief of families, and the persistence of campaigners who demanded change. An important aspect of this are the living memories of those who served at sea. In this episode Dr Sam Willis speaks to two sailors who served on merchant ships all over the world, to hear their remarkable stories.

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No More Napoleons: Britain and the Balance of Power Sep 30, 2025

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Dr Sam Willis meets Andrew Lambert to discuss his fantastic new book No More Napoleons. Lambert has reshaped how we think about Britain’s role in international politics from the 19th century onward and focuses on Britain’s determination to prevent the rise of any single, dominant continental power after the defeat of Napoleon. This strategic goal—maintaining a balance of power in Europe—guided British diplomacy, war-making, and alliances for more than a century. We hear about high politics, military strategy, and global history and discover how British leaders worked tirelessly to prevent new “Napoleons” from overturning the balance, whether in the form of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s Germany or later threats to European stability. The episode will leave you in no doubt that Britain was more than an imperial power, but a guardian of stability whose actions shaped Europe’s destiny as British politicians and military leaders pursued an enduring quest for peace through balance.

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In Search of the Clan Line Sailors Sep 23, 2025

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This is the second episode in a mini series on the history of the Clan Line, one of Britain’s most distinctive and influential shipping companies. In this episode Dr Sam Willis travels the length and breadth of the UK to speak with sailors who served on Clan Line ships, to hear and preserve their memories of this most crucial time in global maritime history.

Founded in Glasgow in 1877 by Charles Cayzer, the line quickly grew into a vast fleet that connected Scotland with Africa, India, and beyond. What made it particularly interesting was its combination of commercial power and cultural identity: every ship bore a “Clan” name, giving the company a strong Scottish character that set it apart in the crowded world of British shipping.

The Clan Line was important because it played a crucial role in Britain’s imperial trade. Its ships carried goods such as jute, tea, and cotton, linking colonial economies to British markets. During both World Wars, the company’s vessels were vital to the Allied cause, transporting troops, supplies, and munitions—often at great risk from enemy submarines. Many were lost, but the service of its crews contributed directly to victory.

Beyond trade and war, the line symbolised the globalisation of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It represented Scotland’s industrial and maritime strength, while also reflecting the dangers and opportunities of long-distance shipping. Today, the Clan Line stands as a reminder of how shipping shaped commerce, conflict, and community.

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Ocean Empire: The Clan Line Legacy Sep 09, 2025

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The Clan Line was one of Britain’s most distinctive and influential shipping companies, leaving a lasting mark on maritime and economic history. Founded in Glasgow in 1877 by Charles Cayzer, the line quickly grew into a vast fleet that connected Scotland with Africa, India, and beyond. Famed for its combination of commercial power and cultural identity, every ship bore a “Clan” name, giving the company a strong Scottish character that set it apart in the crowded world of British shipping.

The Clan Line played a crucial role in Britain’s growing imperial trade. Its ships carried goods such as jute, tea, and cotton, linking colonial economies to British markets. During both World Wars, the company’s vessels were vital to the Allied cause, transporting troops, supplies, and munitions—often at great risk from enemy submarines. Many were lost, but the service of its crews contributed directly to victory.

To find out more Dr Sam Willis spoke with Jamie Cayzer-Colvin, direct descendent of Charles Cayzer who founded the company, and Susan Scott, the Cayzer family’s archivist who dug out some fabulous items to bring this great story to life.

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Nazi Midget Submarine: Seehund Aug 26, 2025

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Today we travel to the final months of the Second World War when the Germans began to develop midget submarines. The allies had crossed the channel and invaded Normandy in June 1944 and were slowly battling their away through France towards Germany. The Russians meanwhile were making huge advances in the east. German UBoats continued to fight in the Atlantic but by this period their potency had been blunted by new tactics and technology which had turned them from the feared hunters of the early years of the war to prey. It was at this moment that designs for midget submarines were finalised and construction begun, in a last and desperate throw of the dice in the under-sea naval war. To find out more Dr Sam Willis travelled to the German Maritime Museum in Bremerhaven to explore the Seehund, one of only a handful of these craft to still survive. Sam spoke with Nils Theinert, an expert on German submarines.

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