In 1595 the cross was in transit from South America to Spain when the
San Pedro lost its escort in a ferocious storm and was ripped apart on Bermuda’s deadly reefs. Spanish expeditions to the wreck site in the months that followed failed to recover the treasure.
Along with the pearl buttons, the cross, most likely formed the ceremonial adornments for a bishop. But it was more than just incredible jewelry – it was a vessel for carrying sacred relics.
'The cross was by far the most important find we had made up to that date. It had seven emeralds that were set in such a fashion to symbolize and tell the story of the Crucifixion.
The main gold structure of the cross consisted of four pieces,
which could be dismantled like a Chinese puzzle. The back could be removed by twisting four gold studs which revealed a shallow recess, with two sets of opposing pointed keys to hold a sacred relic in place.'
The media were not the only ones interested in the cross.
Teddy declared the treasure to the Bermudian government and presented the finds to local dignitaries and government officials. Shortly afterwards the Bermudian government announced that the treasure belonged to them, stating that Bermuda’s territorial seabed was part of the British Crown Estate.
Unfazed, Teddy told them that if that was the case then he would take it all back to the reef and they could look for it themselves. Knowing Teddy as a man of his word they agreed to negotiate.
To be continued
Crow