Interesting archaeology news — in June 2024, maritime archaeologists recovered a number of grave slabs from one of England’s oldest known shipwreck in Poole Bay, Dorset. The wreck, known as the Mortar Wreck, dates back to the 13th century between 1242-1265 and was granted protected status in 2022, making it the oldest protected wreck in England.
The grave slabs are believed to have been transported overland from the southern Purbeck region to Poole Harbour, where they were loaded onto a ship, which unfortunately sank during the journey out of the harbour.
After undergoing conservation work, the recovered grave slabs will be displayed in the newly redeveloped Poole Museum, providing insight into the maritime history of the region during the medieval period.
More information:
Medieval grave slabs recovered from historic shipwreck – https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/news/2024-06-07/medieval-grave-slabs-recovered-historic-shipwreck
Grave slabs recovered from England’s oldest shipwreck – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cxee77e88jmo
Dorset and Isle of Wight shipwrecks given special protection – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-62225539