Matthew (ship)
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 A replica of the Matthew in Bristol Floating Harbour |
|
| Career (England) | |
|---|---|
| Builder: | Colin Mudie |
| Laid down: | 1994 |
| Launched: | 1996 |
| Homeport: | Bristol |
| General characteristics | |
| Length: | 78 ft (24 m) |
| Beam: | 20 ft 6 in (6.2 m) |
The Matthew was a caravel sailed by John Cabot in 1497 from Bristol to North America, presumably Newfoundland. After a voyage which had got no further than Iceland, Cabot left again with only one vessel, the Matthew, a small ship (50 tons), but fast and able. The crew consisted of only 18 people. The Matthew departed either 2 May or 20 May 1497. She sailed to Dursey Head (latitude 51°36N), Ireland, from where she sailed due west, expecting to reach Asia. However, landfall was reached in North America on 24 June 1497. His precise landing-place is a matter of much controversy, with Cape Bonavista or St. John's in Newfoundland the most likely sites.
