English Maritime History Monday Night Live Derek Arden: Interview Godfrey Lancashire

Negotiators Podcast

Welcome to Monday Night Live!

From Pirate Adventures to Restoring Lost Treasures: Hidden History on Monday Night Live

Description:

In this week’s episode of Monday Night Live, host Derek Arden welcomes longtime friend and former colleague, Godfrey Lancashire. With a fascinating background that spans banking, international hockey, and private investigation, Godfrey dives into a unique passion project he’s undertaken: the discovery and restoration of a historic 16th-century artifact, once lost to time. Join Derek and Godfrey as they journey back to England’s Elizabethan era, exploring swashbuckling adventures, historic landmarks, and a shipwrecked Spanish warship that played a surprising role in English history.

Summary:

Introducing Godfrey Lancashire: Banker, Investigator, and Historian
Derek Arden kicks off the episode by introducing his guest, Godfrey Lancashire, whose career is as varied as it is remarkable. After beginning in banking and playing an instrumental role as captain of the United Banks hockey team, Godfrey transitioned into private investigation, where he developed a knack for uncovering stories both hidden and forgotten. Today, he has become deeply involved in restoring a significant relic from Elizabethan England—one that speaks to his passion for history and adventure.

A Dive into Elizabethan England: The Golden Age of Exploration
Godfrey takes viewers on an imaginative journey back to the Elizabethan era, a time of cultural and academic flourishing as well as daring maritime pursuits. Queen Elizabeth I, a strong proponent of education, saw the rise of scholars and explorers like William Shakespeare, Sir Francis Drake, and Sir Walter Raleigh. It was an age where piracy was romanticized, and many individuals embarked on “noble” adventures on the high seas. Godfrey shares stories of exploration and commerce, where the spoils of piracy sometimes funded noble pursuits—one of which is the very school Thomas Hardy helped establish in Dorchester.

Thomas Hardy’s Legacy: A Pirate’s Treasure Transformed
Godfrey introduces Thomas Hardy, a “squire and pirate” from the small village of Frampton in Dorset, England. Hardy’s adventures brought him wealth, which he used in 1569 to establish a school for boys, today known as Thomas Hardy School. This institution served as a pioneering educational center, and for centuries, it safeguarded a unique artifact: a beautifully carved wooden screen salvaged from the Spanish ship San Salvador, a ship that was once part of the Spanish Armada.

Rediscovering a Lost Artifact: The Restoration of the San Salvador Screen
This impressive wooden screen, standing at four meters high, was kept in Hardy’s school building until it was transferred to new premises in 1927. Eventually, the screen was moved again but was sadly misplaced during a recent school theater renovation. Godfrey shares how the screen nearly ended up lost forever—discarded in a salvage yard—until an astute conservator recognized its historical value. Thanks to the conservator’s sharp eye and dedication, the screen was carefully reassembled, piece by piece, with the support of the local community and generous donations.

Preserving History with Passion: The Efforts Behind the Screen’s Restoration
Godfrey explains the meticulous restoration process, in which thousands of fragments were pieced back together like an intricate jigsaw puzzle. With expert knowledge, the team confirmed the screen’s authenticity through materials testing, and the restored screen is now displayed in its former glory. The team has also uncovered fascinating details, including engravings and notes on the screen’s reverse side, which offer glimpses into England’s maritime past.

Looking to the Future: Ensuring the Screen’s Place in History
In the final part of the interview, Godfrey speaks about the plans for the screen’s future. Though originally housed in the school, discussions are underway to permanently display it at the Weymouth Museum, given its ties to England’s maritime heritage and the Spanish Armada. Godfrey advocates for keeping the screen in Dorset, where it belongs, and emphasizes its importance as a local and national treasure. He is working with the museum and other supporters to secure a grant for the screen’s long-term preservation.

Lessons Learned and Timeless Advice
Reflecting on this journey, Godfrey highlights valuable lessons about asset management and historical preservation. He notes how the oversight that almost led to the screen’s disposal could have been prevented by a robust asset register. Godfrey’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of diligent historical documentation and the sometimes surprising twists that uncover hidden stories of our past.

A Call to Action
As Derek and Godfrey wrap up the conversation, Derek encourages viewers to explore the past and embrace the lessons it offers. For those interested in connecting with Godfrey and learning more about this remarkable restoration, Derek provides ways to reach out via LinkedIn. Don’t miss this fascinating episode that bridges the world of adventure, history, and the relentless pursuit to preserve a priceless relic from England’s golden age of exploration. Tune in to learn more about the legacy of Thomas Hardy, the tales of the Spanish Armada, and the enduring significance of one pirate’s treasure, now a celebrated historical artifact.

Keywords:
Godfrey Lancashire, Derek Arden, Monday Night Live, historic artifact restoration, Elizabethan England, Thomas Hardy pirate, Spanish Armada, Dorchester, Weymouth, San Salvador, 16th-century screen restoration, English maritime history.

---

---

• https://derekarden.co.uk
• https://negotiationexpert.co NEW
• https://negotiatorspodcast.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/negotiatingexpert/