In 2019 Historic England commissioned Wessex Archaeology to investigate the area thought to be the last resting place of the HMS Beagle, which transported Charles Darwin to South America and circumnavigated the globe twice. The team identified the outline of the dock where the ship was likely dismantled on the mud flats of the River Roach off Paglesham, Essex and the site has now been given protected status as a Scheduled Ancient Monument,
“We are extremely proud that this prestigious vessel ended her days on our shores, and that the site will now be recognised as a scheduled monument. Although our plans for celebrating HMS Beagle are on hold due to the COVID 19 pandemic, as soon as we are able Rochford District Council will be recommencing our plans for the commemoration of 2020 as the 200th anniversary of the launch of this famous vessel” said Councillor Simon Wootton of Rochford District Council
“Rochford District Council will be creating a lasting commemoration to the ship in the form of a new observation platform at the RSPB Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project, overlooking the River Roach where the ship was moored.”