NHER 38974 (Maritime record) - Possible post medieval wreck

November 2004. Norfolk NMP.
A possible post medieval wreck or partially submerged structure is visible in the intertidal zone at Sidestrand (S1-2). This site is located at TG 2603 4024. The possible wreck or structure is at least 20m long and 9.5m wide, although it is partially obscured by sediment and may have a larger extent. The southern and landward side of the structure is almost entirely covered by sand and accumulated vegetation. The northern half exhibits a rectangular grid composition, which is likely to represent the framework of a boat. This structure is only clearly visible in February 1955 (S2), although a submerged dark elongated area is visible in the correct location in 1952 (S1). The 1953 storm caused a large section of the cliffs at this point top collapse (S3), covering this area with cliff material. It is therefore possible that either the clearing of this area and consolidation of this cliff may have exposed this area, although the storms and cliff collapse itself may have altered the scour patterns on the coast and altered intertidal deposition and movement in this area. As this submerged structure cannot be seen clearly in 1952 there remains a possibility that the structure relates to the 1953 disaster itself, either a wreckage or a structure that has fallen with the cliff. However the 1952 aerial photographs would suggest that the vessel or structure pre-dates this event. It also is possible that it related to a previous cliff fall.
S. Massey (NMP), 16 November 2004.