17th-Century Shipwreck Discovered at Dorset Beach
The remains of a ship from the 1600s have surfaced after recent winter storms impacted the coast of Britain.
This particular ship was found at Studland Beach, which is located in Dorset along England’s southwest shore. Bournemouth University shared details about this discovery in a press release dated February 9th.
It’s thought to be the Fame, a merchant vessel from Hoorn in the Netherlands, which sank after running aground in 1631.
The exposed timber measures approximately 20 feet by 6.5 feet. Officials noted that what remains includes at least 15 frames and five hull panels held together by wooden nails.
While the frame shows signs of erosion, the hull is said to be in relatively good shape, according to the university’s statement.
“Originally, there was another part inside the ship, but it seems that it’s been lost over time,” they added.
Experts believe these planks have been buried since the 1630s, with only intermittent exposure since. The university suggested that this could explain the difference in condition between the outer hull plates, which are fairly well-preserved, and the inner ones, which are missing.
Interestingly, it was noted that the ship dragged its anchor, running aground on a notorious sandbar, resulting in significant damage.
Though the timbers became visible recently, the wreck was actually first spotted in the Swash Strait near Poole Harbour back in the 1990s. Archaeologists had noted missing parts during excavations in 2013, and they now suspect these may have been located.
The ship was believed to be armed with over 40 guns to fend off pirates during its travels to the Caribbean, where it aimed to collect salt.
Fortunately, all 45 crew members are reported to have safely abandoned ship, although local residents quickly moved in to loot the wreckage.
Tracy Churcher, the general manager of the National Trust for Purbeck, remarked on the find, calling it “a real treasure.” She expressed her ongoing amazement at Studland’s rich history, especially noting the impressive preservation of the wooden nails after 400 years.
A representative from the National Trust, Fleur Castel, mentioned that plans for further excavations are on the horizon.
She highlighted that 400 years ago, the area currently at the coast was actually open sea. Castel pointed out that shifting sands and severe winter storms continue to alter the coastline, exposing delicate portions of historical shipwrecks that should remain untouched.
Visitors to the site are requested to avoid touching or damaging the exposed wood to help preserve it.
Marine archaeologist Tom Cousins, who investigated the shipwreck, explained that the National Trust now protects the location. He mentioned that Historic England will fund further project to bring the wood into a conservation lab in Poole, where it could be recorded in more detail. Testing methods should eventually reveal more about the ship’s age and identity.
This latest discovery adds to numerous significant maritime finds over the past year, including the identification of two slave ships off Central America and another centuries-old vessel unearthed beneath a former fish market in Spain.
