The Sussex Gold
by
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Sir Francis Wheeler was charged with delivering a bribe to the Duke of Savoy to keep him in on England's side during the “Nine Years War.” His flag ship, HMS Sussex, was loaded with gold coins, valued at over a million British pounds, and set out on its mission in 1694. William III was on the throne but Sir Francis was a supporter of the deposed James II and planned to divert the gold and discredit William III in an attempt to have James II restored. A strong easterly wind reached gale force strength and this violent levanter put paid to this plan. HMS Sussex was despatched to a watery grave together with twelve other ships in the fleet. The dead body of Sir Francis Wheeler was found on the eastern shore of the Rock of Gibraltar, two days after the sinking. The secret funds never reached the Duke of Savoy and this disaster would remain one of the worst disasters in the history of the Royal Navy. The gold would remain locked in the hold of the sunken HMS Sussex forever, or would it? Over three hundred years since the loss of HMS Sussex the British Government wants to get its hands on its treasure. Its cargo of gold coins is reputed to be worth well over two billion pounds in today's money. They are not alone in this desire to acquire this vast wealth. Although, part of the Government team, Bill Wyman forms an alliance with a criminal mastermind. If the wreck was successfully discovered there could be an opportunity to siphon off some of the wealth for him. The Duke of Savoy's loss could be his gain.
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About the Book
Sir Francis Wheeler was charged with delivering a bribe to the Duke of Savoy to keep him in on England's side during the “Nine Years War.” His flag ship, HMS Sussex, was loaded with gold coins, valued at over a million British pounds, and set out on its mission in 1694. William III was on the throne but Sir Francis was a supporter of the deposed James II and planned to divert the gold and discredit William III in an attempt to have James II restored. A strong easterly wind reached gale force strength and this violent levanter put paid to this plan. HMS Sussex was despatched to a watery grave together with twelve other ships in the fleet. The dead body of Sir Francis Wheeler was found on the eastern shore of the Rock of Gibraltar, two days after the sinking. The secret funds never reached the Duke of Savoy and this disaster would remain one of the worst disasters in the history of the Royal Navy. The gold would remain locked in the hold of the sunken HMS Sussex forever, or would it?
About the Author
Robert Turley, although born in Scotland has lived in England for over forty years. Most of his working life was spent in financial and administration roles but is now enjoying the new opportunities retirement brings. He has always had an aspiration to write a novel, and his first “The Poacher Hunter” was published last year. This book tells the story of Grant Robinsons attempts to deal with the poachers who were decimating the elephant herds. “The Sussex Gold” is his second novel and he hopes the reader enjoys this action packed search for gold. Intrigue, deception, and a desire to acquire wealth all combine to make this a good read.