The archaeological potential and historic significance of the collection of metal hulled sailing vessels within English territorial waters is currently poorly understood. Many of these vessels are unique and reflect a period of dynamic change for shipbuilding between the mid 19th and early 20th centuries; they reflect a range of economic as well as technological factors. There are a range of historical resources, such as the Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, plans and survey archive, newspaper reports and other online sources, as well as data from the seabed, that can help piece together and tell the stories of these ships. There are currently no examples of seabed remains of metal hulled sailing vessels currently protected under heritage legislation, and due to the environmental impacts on their metal hulls they are believed to be deteriorating relatively rapidly.
This project has been generously funded by Historic England and the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, it is developing understanding of the archaeological character, historic significance and research potential of the sites of metal hulled sailing vessels (MHSV) in English waters to help develop management approaches for them. There are around 200 vessels identified as being within the scope of the project. Archive research is developing understanding of the build, repairs and modifications to the ships, their global international sailing careers, ports of call and cargoes carried, the circumstances of their loss and any subsequent salvage, surveys or archaeological investigations.
The project is providing opportunities for volunteers to be involved in researching the sites and we welcome anyone who might like to be involved to get in touch. We can provide training and support in use of a proforma Record Form approach to using a wide range on online sources for research that will help develop understanding of individual ships and their biographies.
The project will also be reviewing the collection of MHSVs as a whole for its potential to illuminate on a range of research themes in England and internationally and assess the significance of those sites identified as priorities within the dataset. The results will be used to enhance the National Marine Heritage Record, and will also be made available in a dynamic interactive online viewer.
There have been a number of blogs produced telling stories of some of the ships or themes related to them. Keep checking back regularly for new resources!
Available blogs for you to dive into:
The Charlwood and Kate Thomas: https://maritimearchaeologytrust.org/the-metal-hulled-sailing-vessels-project-the-charlwood-and-kate-thomas/
The Pindos: https://maritimearchaeologytrust.org/the-pindos/
The Preussen: https://maritimearchaeologytrust.org/the-preussen/
Ports, Tugs and Sailing Vessels: https://maritimearchaeologytrust.org/ports-tugs-and-sailing-vessels/
If you are interested in getting involved in research, please contact Greta on greta.clarke@maritimearchaeologytrust.org
Hansy (ship) The ‘Hansy’, wrecked in foggy weather off the Cornish coast.
Source: WikiCommons
