In review of recent enquiries
the Glamorgan Ð Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd make the following statement.
We are disappointed that an attempt is not to be made to recover the stern of
the Newport ship. A Victorian dock wall is known to survive on the riverside.
Sections of this were removed for the coffer dam inserted ahead of the construction
of the proposed subterranean display area and timber formwork was recorded below
the wall. The Victorian dock wall is separated from the modern river walls by
a further coffer dam. The ship lies below a jetty constructed in the eighteenth
century. The relationship of the jetty to the Victorian dock wall is unknown.
The port side of the ship was cut down in order to facilitate the construction
of this jetty.
Until October 2002 safety restrictions precluded the excavation and recording
of the stern end of the ship (within the orchestra pit). Once permission was
given, however, we discovered that these had been mechanically damaged during
the construction of the lead trench for the coffer dam for the orchestra pit.
The Victorian dock wall was exposed in the east side of this trench. Whilst
archaeologically unconventional, the damaged timbers at the base of the cofferdam
could with careful supervision and appropriate equipment be recovered mechanically.
We understand that two weeks have been allowed to recover such elements of the
bow that may survive and recognise that this is a more appropriate time-scale
than the two to three days originally made available on the developments critical
path, particularly given that some of the timbers, if any survive, may be desiccated.
The Trust is grateful for the support and encouragement that it has received
from many quarters. Most recently it is pleased to note that the efforts of
those that have worked so hard since the ships discovery have been publicly
recognised by the leader of Newport City Council, Sir Harry Jones.
For further information
please contact:
Mr Andrew Marvell
Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd
Heathfield House
Heathfield
Swansea SA1 6EL
Tel: 01792 655208
Email: andrew@ggat.org.uk
Notes for Editors
The Glamorgan-Gwent Trust Ltd is the regional body responsible for conserving
the archaeological and historical heritage of south east Wales. The Trust was
founded in 1975 to address the problem of ever increasing threats to archaeological
sites and to foster an increasing public interest in the study of the past.
They are the recognised archaeological advisors to the twelve Local Authorities
within this area.