Valerie Fenwick was there at the very beginning of the Maritime Archaeology Trust, then the Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology, until her passing in January 2025. Valerie was always an avid supporter of the Trust and although we no longer have her with us, her years of advice, guidance and very generous support of the developing Yarmouth Centre mean her legacy will always be part of our organisation and our individual experiences and careers. Here we give a short summary of Valerie’s huge contribution to maritime archaeology and also a personal tribute from Garry Momber, MAT Director.
Beginning at the age of 11, Valerie spent 77 years pursuing the craft of archaeology, she was a longstanding editor of the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology and a maritime archaeologist of international renown having worked on the rescuing and publishing a number of significant craft, including the Anglo Saxon Sutton Hoo and Graveney Boats, the Bronze Age Dover boat and the 100 year old Rye Barge, Primrose. Valerie did everything with commitment, making sure all her projects were resolved in ship-shape fashion, with the upmost attention to detail and true to her aspirations.
Valerie will be greatly missed, but she will live on in our hearts, ensuring we maintain our commitment to creating a Yarmouth Maritime Centre of international standing. We will ensure it is completed in ship-shape fashion, with the upmost attention to detail and true to her aspirations.
A personal tribute to Valerie from Garry Momber, MAT Director
When I first met Valerie she was setting a course through the evolving world of nautical archaeology. Building on her experience of excavating boats, she had been instrumental in the 1973 Protection of Wrecks Act, the setting up of the NAS, the JNAPC and the list goes on. Valerie did not just have a career in the subject, she was setting out a framework for the discipline to follow. And it was while this process was under way that I volunteered to become part of that roadmap.
My first encounter with Valerie was in 1989 on the Argo outside her house by the River Thames. Here, she had galvanised a team of elite rowers who were going to take this replica Bronze Age Galley, of Jason and the Argonauts fame, on the Great River Race past the Houses of Parliament, where members were lobbied with ‘Save Our Ships’ banners – advocating for the Heritage at Sea policy statement.
Valerie had invited volunteers to join the crew for rowing training along the Taplow reach, Maidenhead. I had driven down early from my studies in Bangor University to find Valerie on the tiller, so I grabbed my oar and heaved, pulling strokes for the rest of the day. The following week I was back for the timed trials, however, running a little late and after my 250 mile trip, I was keen to use the bathroom. Unfortunately, the latch was faulty and by the time I got to the Argo, the ship had sailed. As a consequence my allocated seat was now occupied by a top notch, Olympian standard Cambridge rower. Not that I suspected any skulduggery, but for Valerie it undoubtedly achieved the best outcome – as all her actions invariably did – and she was also very amused. Instead, I was offered a seat in the tender that accompanied the Argo, and an opportunity to excavate an old barge in a muddy riverbank at Rye, but more importantly, I adopted Valarie as a mentor who pressed upon me, in a gentle tone and with a smile, that weekends were fine for working and writing papers to make sure they were delivered on time.
In 1991, with Valerie’s support, the Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology (to become the Maritime Archaeology Trust) was formed and before too long, a post opened for an archaeologist. Valerie tracked me down on the other side of the globe and proposed that I apply. Of course, I did. By 1993 I was fully ensconced in the mud flats of the Solent shores and showing particular interest in submerged forests rather than the many abandoned hulks. This was an aspect of maritime archaeology that was less than exciting to most, but Valerie saw it as essential to understand the evolution of coastal communities over many thousands of years. As a Trustee, her support and guidance for the work below the Solent waterway was unfaltering, and she continued to press for publication.
Over the last few years, her attention was also drawn to The Shipwreck Centre on the Isle of Wight were Valerie helped by adding craft from the ISCA small boats assemblage to Martin Woodward’s extensive collection of wreck artefacts. When an opportunity arose to move the whole museum to a new, larger and better placed location, without hesitation, she offered her support for the site. For that reason, the site was acquired and we will be developing it into an important centre for maritime archaeology as well as a must-see museum.
Valerie was a pioneer and mentor to many people. Her persistence, dedication and inspirational ways got results. The state of maritime archaeology in the UK would not be what it is today without Valerie. She leaves a legacy that includes many organisations and a legal framework that forms the core of maritime archaeology in the UK, as well as impacting many of those working in the discipline today.
A short verse in remembrance of a wonderful woman who always had a positive outlook and who I will never forget.
We shall remember Valerie
For her grace and tenacity
For her focus and drive
Her mischief and veracity
But for me it was her vision
Pushing boundaries, then setting the stage
For others to take up the mantle
Now maritime archaeology is coming of age
Although she has departed
She leaves a world that will never be the same
For she has embellished and saved our cultural heritage
And made sure I will never get stuck in a toilet again!
