Medieval Ship

In June 2002 work began on the site of a new Theatre and Arts Centre on the banks of the River Usk in Newport. Archaeologists from the Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust, carrying out a watching brief on the work, noticed archaeological timbers uncovered as the work progressed. The timbers were later identified as a well-preserved 15^th century ship – Newport’s mediaeval ship.

The remains of the ship extended to 23 metres. It is thought that its original length was around 25 metres. Tree-ring dating has shown that the timbers used for construction were felled between Autumn 1465 and Spring 1466. As the timbers were unseasoned - that is, used straight away - this gives a closer date for the ship’s construction.