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News

New Studland Bay Wreck Discoveries

Research work by Danish ship expert Mikkel Thomsen on the hull structure of the Studland Bay Wreck has recently been carried out with surprising results.

This internationally important wreck is of a Spanish merchant vessel from about 1520. The excavations of the wreck site ended in 1992 after nine years work. They were amongst the most extensive underwater excavations of this type carried out world-wide.

One major discovery has been that the vessel probably started life with a triangular (lanteen) main sail and then changed to a square main sail. This major refit involved moving the mast 1m aft and then repositioning various holes that held the ropes of the foresail. Changes of this type were part of the evolution of the rigged ship and make the wreck especially interesting.

Most of the research has been concerned with establishing the size and shape of the vessle and how it was put together. Shipbuilding documents give rules on building ships that can be used to establish the full shape of the wreck remains. A further discover was that the ship was considered 'old' when it sank. Analysis of the keel by museum archaologist Keith Jarvis has revealed that the original planking had at some time been removed and repaired using pitch to seal the joint.

It is hoped to publish a shortened version of the findings in the Internaional Journal of Nautical Archaeology. Completion of the final project report is unlikely in the near future unless partnership funding is found. The works has involved research at St. Andrew's University and at Aarhus University in Denmark.

Timbers and finds from the wreck maybe seen at the Waterfront Museum, Poole.

Keith Jarvis-Collections Officer (Archaeology) tel. 01202 683138