A HISTORIC shipwreck found in the mud of a Hampshire river may have been a “great ship” used by Henry V to wage war on the French.

After the king’s famous victory at Agincourt, experts believe the wreck found in the River Hamble could be a 600-year-old vessel used by him in his conflict against France.

Work to protect the wreck is now set to take place and it is hoped research could shed light on how medieval vessels were operated in the way the Mary Rose has done for Tudor ships.

Historian Dr Ian Friel, who first spotted the wreck in an aerial photograph, believes it is the Holigost, or Holy Ghost, one of four “great” ships built for Henry V’s fleet.

The area of the river where it was found has been described as a medieval breaker’s yard and is close to the site where the king’s flagship, the Grace Dieu, was found in the 1930s.

The Holigost was an important part of Henry V’s fleet as he continued the conflict known as the Hundred Years War in the early 1400s, and claimed a famous victory over the French at Agincourt.

It was also the home of his navy as he fought the war against France on land and sea, and the Holigost took part in two of the most important naval battles of the conflict, serving as the flagship of the Duke of Bedford at the Battle of Harfleur in 1416 and also being involved in fighting off the Ched de Caux in 1417.

The ship, whose name comes from Henry’s personally devotion to the Holy Trinity, was originally rebuilt from a Spanish vessel called the Santa Clara that was captured in late 1413 or early 1414 and then acquired by the English Crown.

After Dr Friel’s discovery Government heritage agency Historic England has taken steps to protect and investigate the wreck.

Future scientific research on the ship, which could include sonar and aerial imaging using drones, could reveal much about 15th century ship building and improve understanding of life aboard ship, naval warfare of the time, dock building and docking practices.

Duncan Wilson, Historic England chief executive, said: “The Battle of Agincourt is one of those historic events that has acquired huge national significance.

“To investigate a ship from this period close to the 600th anniversary is immensely exciting.

“It holds the possibility of fascinating revelations in the months and years to come.”

Dr Friel said: “I am utterly delighted that Historic England is assessing the site for protection and undertaking further study.

“In my opinion, further research leading to the rediscovery of the Holigost would be even more important than the identification of the Grace Dieu in the 1930s.

“The Holigost fought in two of the most significant naval battles of the Hundred Years War, battles that opened the way for the English conquest of northern France.”