In the quiet waters off the coast of Dorset, a discovery was made that would rewrite history. The Mortar Wreck, a medieval ship submerged in the depths of Poole Bay, emerged as the UK’s oldest known shipwreck, dating back a staggering 750 years.
It all began with the keen eye of Trevor Small, a seasoned diver and skipper who had spent three decades exploring the sea. In the summer of 2020, recent storms had revealed an unknown presence on the seabed, and Small obtained permission to dive into the mysterious wreckage. Little did he know that he was about to uncover the discovery of the century.
The Mortar Wreck earned its name from the mortar bowls it carried, used for grinding grain into flour. Tree-ring dating of the ship’s timbers confirmed its age, making it the oldest known wreck in English waters where the hull’s remains are still visible. It was a clinker ship, crafted from overlapping planks of Irish oak felled between 1242 and 1265 during King Henry III’s reign.
Numerous artefacts were found onboard the Mortar Wreck, including cauldrons, cups, pottery and kitchen objects (pictured)
The ship held more than mortar bowls; it was a treasure trove of artifacts from the past. Cauldrons, cups, pottery, and kitchen objects told tales of the vessel’s purpose and its journey. Among the discoveries were two pristine, pre-carved gravestones made from Purbeck stone, offering a glimpse into the 13th-century artistry of highly skilled stonemasons.
A bronze canon (pictured) was found at the site of the Shingles Bank Wreck NW68. The arms are of Phillip IV of Spain and the gun was made near Brussels for his army
These gravestones, with depictions of wheel-headed crosses and splayed arm crosses, marked high status and were commonly found in churchyards along the south coast. The slabs, unpolished and adorned with chisel marks, hinted at a journey to a destination where they would receive their finishing touches.
The year 1628 was engraved on the cannon found at the site of the Shingles Bank Wreck NW68. It was used to help date the NW68 vessel to the mid to late 17th century
Theories about the Mortar Wreck’s fate abound. Was it lost on its way from the Dorset coast? Was it returning from India between 1575 and 1625, as some believe? The true purpose and destination of the ship remain shrouded in mystery.
Protected under the highest level of legal protection by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS), the Mortar Wreck now joins the ranks of 57 Protected Wreck Sites in English waters. Alongside it, two other sites near the Isle of Wight, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, have also gained protected status.
A cauldron (left) and fragment of pottery (right) recovered from the 13th century Mortar Wreck off the Dorset coast. The vessel is known as a clinker ship in its design, is made from overlapping planks of wood
Archaeologists from Historic England and Bournemouth University continue to explore the Mortar Wreck, piecing together the puzzle of maritime trade and connections in the Channel and Irish Sea during the medieval period. This incredible find serves as a time capsule, offering a rare glimpse into the past and reminding us of the intricate web of history woven by seafaring vessels centuries ago.
