2nd November 2023
Researchers from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and Swansea University have announced a breakthrough in the dating of the Newport Medieval Ship.
Through the use of oxygen isotope dendrochronology (the study of tree-ring data), they have determined that selected structural timbers of the hull were made from oak trees that were felled in the winter of 1457-58.
The research, published today in the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, suggests that the vessel was constructed soon after this and had a working life of about ten years before coming to Newport for repairs in the late 1460s.
Previous research has shown that the ship timbers originated from forests in the Basque Country in northern Spain and that the ship was likely built along the Basque coast.
Analysis of the artefacts, cargo remnants and plant remains from the ship have revealed trading links with Portugal.
The remains of the ship laid undiscovered for centuries in the banks of the River Usk. They were found in 2002 during the construction works for the Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre.
These remains have been carefully cleaned, recorded and conserved: conservation of the timbers concluded earlier this year. The project is now focused on planning the reassembly and display of the hull and artefacts.
Visitors can learn more about the history of the ship at the Newport Ship visitor centre. This Friday and Saturday (3rd and 4th November) will be the final weekend the centre is open before it closes for the winter off-season, reopening again in late March 2024.
Admission to the centre is free, and parking is available on site.