Helmet Diving for Sunken Treasure
Part of The Crown Beneath the Waves Project (2026)
Henry Simms (1894–1977)
Faith endures.
Henry Simms was an amateur historian, explorer, and descendant of Matthias Simms whose life was shaped by a sustained interest in the history of the Cryere Campaign and the loss of the state vessel Trinco. Though lacking formal academic affiliation, Henry’s work combined archival research, oral tradition, and personal exploration, contributing significantly to the preservation of historical memory surrounding the vessel prior to its eventual discovery.
Family and Historical Lineage
Henry descended from Matthias Simms, the continental engineer who remained on Alca after the invasion and contributed to rebuilding infrastructure near Cryere, including work associated with the Old Bridge. This lineage positioned the Simms family as quiet stewards of Cryere across generations.
Research on the Trinco
Henry devoted many years to searching for evidence related to the lost Trinco. While most historians concluded that the wreck lay near the continent — influenced by the discovery of a jettisoned cannon — Henry expressed late-life doubts regarding this assumption.
These doubts, preserved in his notes, later influenced Gabriel Simms and Christina during their reexamination of the wreck’s likely location.
Relationship to Theleme Estate
Theleme Estate passed to Gabriel Simms following Henry’s death. Although Henry maintained the estate during his lifetime, it was not developed as an interpretive site and remained largely residential and private. After Henry’s passing, the property stood quiet for many years before Gabriel’s gradual return.
Death and Burial
Henry died in 1977 at age 83.
He is buried in the small churchyard at Cryere near the abbey ruins. His grave is marked by a modest, weathered stone bearing the inscription:
“Faith endures.”
The inscription reflects both personal belief and the continuity of stewardship associated with the Simms family.