NationStates Jolt Archive

LONDON (Reuters) - British police are hunting for thieves who stole a 200-year-old cannon from outside a military barracks in southern England.

Thieves steal ancient cannon from British barracks
Fri Apr 14, 2006 1:07pm ET8

They said at least two people would have been needed to hoist the 68 kg (150lb) cannon from outside St George's Barracks in Gosport on the south coast.

"These artefacts are loaned to various locations in Gosport to show the pride that people have in the history of our town," said Josephine Lawler, curator of the museum which owned the cannon. "However, if this is what happens to them, there will soon be no more left to display."

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I wonder if the military types who run the barracks will be taken to court and fined for displaying a cannon in a way that might be tempting to thieves?

Will the military be obliged to pay the thieves compensation for long-term stress and potential strain injuries caused while stealing the cannon?

Oh well, from what I've seen the thieves will be let off anyway because they'll offer 6000 other offenses to be taken into consideration, and as a result of the plea bargaining they will actually be owed prison time by the state, to be banked for next time they get convicted. And if they're juvenile, they'll get off scot-free but their school teachers will be convicted and given a criminal record for having failed them. :rolleyes:

Chavs with Cannon. Who'd have thought? Keep an eye out for a low-riding Chavmobile on the M4... it might just be able to put your engine through the bonnet. :eek:

Can blackpowder or pyrodex be purchased in England? It would be cool if they actually put the cannon to use.

I believe, correct me if im wrong (and it would be cool if they did) but these cannons would have been taken out of service. So unless they have a cannon expert who will restore it, I very much doubt it. Who knows, they may just have the man for the job!

Can blackpowder or pyrodex be purchased in England? It would be cool if they actually put the cannon to use.
Yes. Actually there is a fairly active BP rifle/C&B pistol community over there. The Ruger Old Army sells quite well in Jolly Old from what I understand.

Can blackpowder or pyrodex be purchased in England? It would be cool if they actually put the cannon to use.
My thoughts exactly. I'd try to get my hands on some cannon balls and have some leagally-grey area fun.

Weathered brass 200 years old? I wouldn't like to be anywhere near it if anyone does try to fire it. :eek:

My thoughts exactly. I'd try to get my hands on some cannon balls and have some leagally-grey area fun.

Was it you who stole the cannon or would you find some other legal "fun" for these cannonballs. Please spare the details.

Yes. Actually there is a fairly active BP rifle/C&B pistol community over there. The Ruger Old Army sells quite well in Jolly Old from what I understand.
So why don't they have people being shot with cap and ball revolvers? That would be cool. England would be like the old west.

Weathered brass 200 years old? I wouldn't like to be anywhere near it if anyone does try to fire it. :eek:

Of course it would make for a good read in the Darwin Awards.

Can blackpowder or pyrodex be purchased in England? It would be cool if they actually put the cannon to use.
I doubt it. The barrels of old cannons are usually filled up with lead.

I predict the following headline: "Youths Killed in Antique Cannon Explosion"

Of course it would make for a good read in the Darwin Awards.

You could use a power-trail or fuse to remotely detonate the cannon.

I predict the following headline: "Youths Killed in Antique Cannon Explosion"
Or in The Sun: Kaboom! Cannon Kills Kids! plus much innuendo about balls in the story.
Or in the Daily Mail: Little Bastards Got What Was Coming To Them: Blair's Fault!
Or the Daily Express: Diana's Death - Was A Cannon Involved?

Was it you who stole the cannon or would you find some other legal "fun" for these cannonballs. Please spare the details.
I refuse to answer that on the grounds I might incriminate myself

Can blackpowder or pyrodex be purchased in England? It would be cool if they actually put the cannon to use.

Well I wouldn't want to be near anyone with a cannon. If I had a bigger cannon on the other hand...

All I need is a tree(see mythbusters tree cannon episode!)

*Finds Ross Rifle buried in some dirt*
*Fires*
Ohmygoodne-

I doubt it. The barrels of old cannons are usually filled up with lead.
Easily melted out....

I just thought the whole episode funny and totally British.

But, as to infeasability... Say hello to the Bowling ball cannon. :eek:

http://www.docsmachine.com/nonPB/mortar.html

So why don't they have people being shot with cap and ball revolvers? That would be cool. England would be like the old west.
Maybe because it has less to do with the lethality or availability of the weapon and more to do with the lazy criminal bastard behind the trigger?

Remember, the best (real) "gunfighters" of theAmerican "wild west" (like "Wild Bill" Hicock used cap & ball revolvers.... :eek:

Aces and Eights..... ;)