Missing Hull from 17th-Century Ship Washes Up on Beach After Winter Storm: ‘A Real Treasure’

In a remarkable discovery, maritime archaeologists have identified the hull of a 17th-century Dutch merchant ship, believed to be The Fame, which ran aground more than 400 years ago. The wreck was located following the recent impacts of a winter storm and has been taken to a preservation facility at Bournemouth University.

The Fame, which is thought to have transported salt from the Caribbean to Europe, met its fate in 1631 when it struck a notorious sandbank as it entered the Swash Channel. The first major efforts to locate the remains of the ship began in the 1990s, with a partial excavation revealing some artefacts, including the ship’s intricately carved rudder, in 2013.

Recently, following the storm that affected the UK, sections of timber reminiscent of a shipwreck surfaced on Studland Beach. Upon investigation, archaeologists from Bournemouth University confirmed that the timber is likely part of The Fame. Tom Cousins, an archaeologist involved in the project, expressed enthusiasm about the find, noting that the team believes they are witnessing the revelation of a portion of the ship’s hull.

The newly discovered hull measures approximately six metres in length and two metres in width. It is constructed from a minimum of fifteen frames joined with wooden treenails that connect to five outer hull planks. Tracey Churcher, the general manager for the National Trust in Purbeck, expressed her awe at the historical significance of the find, stating, “This has been a real treasure.” She further praised the durability of the wooden treenails, which have withstood the test of time, highlighting the craftsmanship of the era.

The excavation process involved collaboration with local schoolchildren, who enthusiastically aided the archaeologists. Using children’s beach spades to avoid causing damage to the timbers, the young volunteers assisted in logging, tagging, and dismantling the wreckage in mid-February. This initiative not only engaged the community but also provided students with a hands-on experience in maritime archaeology.

Now situated at Bournemouth University’s Maritime Archaeology preservation facility, the artefacts are undergoing dendrochronology testing. This research technique will help determine the origins of the timbers, and researchers hope to link these findings with previous analyses of the Swash Channel area.

The Swash Channel wreck is notable as one of only 57 shipwrecks around the English coastline protected under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. Hefin Meara, a maritime archaeologist from Historic England, commented on the rarity of discovering remains from vessels predating 1700, acknowledging the ongoing investigation’s potential. While it cannot yet be confirmed that these newly discovered fragments belong to The Fame, the possibility adds excitement to the research.

As the findings are further analysed and the results from the dendrochronology tests come in, the academic community and the public alike will anticipate additional insights into this significant piece of maritime history. The collaboration between Bournemouth University, the National Trust, and local schools exemplifies a community effort to preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of the region’s maritime past.

In conclusion, the discovery of The Fame’s hull not only offers glimpses into the craftsmanship and seafaring practices of the 17th century but also serves as a reminder of the enduring relationship between the past and present. With further analysis, researchers aim to piece together the life and times of this remarkable vessel, adding a vital chapter to the story of maritime England.