Newport ship
From Free net encyclopedia
The Newport ship is a 15th century sailing vessel discovered by archaeologists in June 2002 at Newport, Wales. The original length of the ship was around 25 metres, and it would have been quite capable of continental voyages. However, it has been badly damaged by modern developments. It was found on the west bank of the River Usk, which runs through the city of Newport, whilst building a new arts centre. There were no initial plans to preserve the ship in its entirety, and local people campaigned heavily to ensure this would occur. Initial estimates suggested that preservation would cost about £3.5 million. This sum was found by the Welsh Assembly Government and Newport City Council. All the timbers have subsequently been raised and transferred to a dedicated industrial unit which the local council describes as "now the biggest wood conservation centre in the UK", where preservation and research continue. It has been proposed that following conservation the ship be displayed in the basement of the arts centre in whose foundations it was nearly entombed.
Artefacts found on the ship suggest that it was trading with Portugal in the fifteenth century. It is possible that the abundance of articles linked with Portugual argues for the ship being built there, as well as trading there. It evidently required maintenance and repair at times in its life. Dendrochronology has given a likely felling date of 1465 and 1466 for some of the timbers used in both construction and repairs. Remnants of a cradle were found beneath the ship, suggesting that it was berthed for repair and then abandoned.