An oak water keg from San Josef captured at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent

This iron-bound oak water keg has a twisted iron suspension handle and, at one end, a brass plaque stating: ‘Spanish gunner’s water keg from San Josef, 1797 R.S. Pridie, Devonport, 1849.’

Spanish, circa 1783

Launched in 1783, San José was a Spanish First-Rate carrying 114 guns. The ship was captured by Commodore Horatio Nelson on February 14th, 1797 at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent. Recommissioned into the Royal Navy, San Josef served as Nelson’s flagship in 1802. Eventually berthed at Devonport as guard ship to the Gunnery School, San Josef was broken up in May 1849 when this keg was secured as a souvenir.