Mysteries of Swash Channel Wreck revealed

Ever wondered about the underwater archaeology of Poole Bay? On Sunday 23 January there will be a chance to hear the latest news about the Swash Channel Wreck, one of the most exciting shipwrecks ever to have been found in Poole’s waters.

The mysterious ship was the subject of a major excavation by Bournemouth University in 2010, supported by English Heritage. It has been dated to around 1630 and includes the earliest ship carvings ever found in the UK, including a mysterious wooden merman (picture attached).

The event is part of a series of talks organised in conjunction with Poole Museum Society which shed light on aspects of Poole’s rich heritage.

The event is also part of a bid to make the shipwreck accessible to a wide range of audiences. ‘Bringing People to the Museum and the Museum Underwater’ is a joint project led by Bournemouth University in partnership with Borough of Poole Museum Service and uses the Swash Channel Wreck to encourage people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to learn about their local maritime archaeological heritage.

The bid has already received a first round pass from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Bournemouth University will submit a final application in March.

After conservation, finds from the Wreck and all the information from the excavation will be passed on to Poole Museum Service to be displayed to the community.

Bournemouth University’s MSc Maritime Archaeology Programme Leader Ms Paola Palma said: “I was working with my MSc students on this fascinating underwater site when I realised that only a small group of us – myself, my colleague, the students and few others – would be able to enjoy this incredible maritime heritage. And this made me realise how important it is that we involve not just students, but the wider community.”

Brian Ellis, chairman of the Poole Museum Society said: “We are delighted to be working with Poole Museum to provide these events, which reflect some of the present and future highlights of Poole Museum’s collections.”  

The talk will be held at Poole Museum from 2pm. Tickets cost £2 but is free to members of Poole Museum Society.

To reserve your tickets or to find out more about joining Poole Museum Society contact Poole Museum on (01202) 262607, or email: museums@poole.gov.uk.