The captivating and tragic tale of Mumper, a royal dog said to have been aboard the Gloucester when it sank in 1682, is set to be brought to light at the Norwich History Festival. The shipwreck, which occurred off the coast of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, is considered one of the most significant in British history, claiming the lives of more than 130 people. Among the survivors was the then Duke of York, who would later ascend to the throne as King James II of England.
Mumper, a mixed-breed dog, was already a well-known figure at the royal court of King Charles II before embarking on the Gloucester. Accounts from the period describe him as looking "as much like a cub as a dog" and enjoying unique privileges, including sitting at dinner with the King and reportedly pilfering food directly from the monarch's plate. His presence on the doomed vessel adds a poignant dimension to the disaster.
According to University of East Anglia (UEA) professor Claire Jowitt, who is presenting her research, Mumper's story suggests a valiant, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, fight for survival. It is claimed that as the Gloucester struck a sandbank and began to sink, Mumper competed with King Charles II's physician, Sir Charles Scarborough, for space on a piece of floating wreckage. While Sir Charles is believed to have made it to safety, Mumper is alleged to have drowned.
Professor Jowitt's research also indicates that Mumper's story gained significant traction and evolved long after the actual disaster. Eighteenth-century writers seized upon the narrative, transforming the dog into a central character in satirical pamphlets and political commentary. These works used Mumper's fate to debate the actions and character of the future James II, particularly in the context of allegations that he prioritised saving his dogs and priest over other passengers during the sinking.
The research is part of the UEA's wider Gloucester project, which delves into the history of the shipwreck. The Gloucester's whereabouts remained a mystery for centuries until its discovery in 2007, half-buried on the seabed approximately 28 miles (45km) out in the ocean. For security reasons, the discovery was not publicly revealed until 2022, adding another layer of intrigue to this historical event.