NHER 31794 (Monument record) - Possible medieval boat reused as a revetment

Position very approximate, due to changes in coastline since (S1) surveyed; situated against first groyne north of car park and coastguard tower. Grid reference arrived at in consultation with local people on beach.

Wreck. Reported by friend of S. Ashley (NLA).

29 February 1996. Visit.
Section of side of boat, (S2), about 9m long and 2m across, with re entrant curve resembling a clipper bow (though it has apparently been said that this is an illusion due to the way it is lying). Carvel built with two layers of planks held together by wooden dowels. Massive ribs at the wider end only; main ribs up to 33cm square, with a lesser rib to each side, and packing pieces between ribs and planking.
Further information and possible dendrochronology date awaited from Nautical Archaeology Society.

It seems quite possible this is the same wreck reported in 1971 at site NHER 8658.


Identified by [1] as late medieval on site, see (S3), but [2] says verbal description sounds 18th century according to [3].
E. Rose (NLA), 4 March 1996.

6 March 1996. Site visit by D. Gurney (NLA).
See (S4).

15 March 1996. Site visit.
Two dendrochronological samples taken from the principal structural timbers. Various planks etc removed by others. See notes etc in file.
D.Gurney (NLA) 15 March 1996.

Report in file suggests that this pre dates around 1600.
D. Gurney (NLA) 11 June 1996.

See 'Site Survey of Beach Wreckage' 3 March 1996 in file.
D. Gurney (NLA) 18 June 1996.

The dendrochronological samples taken proved to have insufficient rings to provide a date.
It now seems improbable that this is part of a medieval cog, and it may be of timbers reused as a revetment or groin - on the evidence of the wedged fillets (one inboard of a frame) and the absence of wedged treenails and caulking. See letters in file.
D. Gurney (NLA) 4 October 1996.

It would appear therefore that the discussion has come full circle back to that reported to have taken place over NHER 8658, assuming this is the same structure.
E.Rose (NLA), 13 November 1996.