The cannon discovered from a 17th century warship will be included in Historic England's forensic marking programme, using the latest underwater protective marking technology to deter thieves.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that a diver had uncovered a bronze cannon in a remarkable discovery on the shipwreck of a 17th-century warship located off Southend Pier.

The historic ship, The London, formed part of a convoy sent in 1660 to collect Charles II from the Netherlands and restore him to the throne.

It was destroyed by a gunpowder explosion and sank in 1665  killing 300 people. Its protected wreck now lies in two parts off Southend Pier.

The cannon was found by Steve Ellis, one of Historic England’s licensed divers, who has been diving in the Thames Estuary for the last 14 years.

The cannon was discovered buried in silt and clay on the seabed.

Historic England grants licences for Protected Wreck Sites on behalf of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport.

Visibility in the Thames Estuary is often extremely poor - less than half a metre at times - so conditions had to be perfect for the cannon to become exposed suddenly, embedded in clay.

Work on the site is particularly challenging due to a highly tidal environment and the wreck's location next to a busy shipping lane where large cargo vessels regularly pass by.

The cannon that was found by a diver is now being included in Historic England's forensic marking programme.

This marking programme was used for the first time last October as Historic England used new technology to forensically mark artefacts.

This includes cannons from some of England's 57 most historic and archaeologically important Protected Wreck Sites.

Marking these artefacts gives them even greater protection as they will now be traceable.

Mark Beattie-Edwards, chief executive of the Nautical Archaeology Society, said: “For over a decade we have suspected that some of the cannons on board the London were still on the seabed, and now Steve and his team have proved it.

“The discovery demonstrates just how culturally rich the wreck is, and with the site actively eroding the potential for further similar finds remains ever present.”

Mark Harrison, head of heritage crime at Historic England, added: “Protective marking of this cannon will act as a clear deterrent to those looking to unlawfully lift and remove historic material from Protected Wreck Sites.

“The new markings will give police the ability to link the offender to the crime scene and implement criminal proceedings.”