<h5>How do shipwrecks happen?</h5>  <p>We’ve all seen or heard of the Titanic - the ship that was hailed as ‘unsinkable’. Alas, it struck an iceberg and sank to the bottom of the ocean floor. What became of the Titanic down there? Was it ever found? Yes, the Titanic still lies on the floor of the Atlantic ocean. </p>
<p>Centuries ago, it used to be common for ships to capsize in cyclones and sink in oceans. Now, thanks to advanced technology, it is not common for ships to sink anymore.
Sunken ships or shipwrecks can be important archaeological sites! They carry artefacts and items of a different era. To step into it would be like entering a time capsule! </p> <h5>What happens to ships after they sink?</h5> <figure>
        <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/oldest-shipwreck-in-england-given-government-protection%2Foldest-shipwreck-in-england-given-government-protection-section1.jpg?alt=media&token=1d587f75-38e5-48f5-b24a-48d047ef98e6" alt="What happens to ships after they sink?" >
        <figcaption> </figcaption>
      </figure> <p>It's not easy to fish out a huge ship, so most of them are left at the bottom of the ocean floor. Many parts of the ship get lost in the ocean. The wooden deck gets chipped away by water and the metal part of the ship remains.</p>
<p>These ships become homes to several ocean critters. Creatures like fish and eels seek shelter inside them. Over time, the shipwreck becomes home to living organisms like algae and corals. 
Many islands even have scuba diving tours where experienced divers can explore sunken shipwrecks. This is thrilling and educational! Though it should only be done by professionals since old creaky ships can be dangerous!</p> <h5>What about the discovery of the oldest shipwreck in England?</h5>  <p>The ruins of a ship, now called the Mortar Wreck, were found in Poole Bay in Dorset, England. The wreck was first discovered in 2020 by a diving group.</p>
<p>It has been determined that the shipwreck is from the 13th century. Archaeologists were able to identify that the timbers were made of Irish oak trees felled between 1242 and 1265. It’s amazing how they have managed to survive in the water for more than 700 years!</p>
<p>This makes the Mortar Wreck the oldest surviving shipwreck in England! The culture secretary of England has given the Mortar Wreck the Protected Wreck status. This status has also been given to 54 other sites in English waters.
</p> <h5>What did they find on the sunken ship?</h5> <figure>
        <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/oldest-shipwreck-in-england-given-government-protection%2Foldest-shipwreck-in-england-given-government-protection-section2.jpg?alt=media&token=b0efd22b-08d3-42ec-8662-aaa91347dab7" alt="What did they find on the sunken ship?" >
        <figcaption>Items found aboard the ship, which have hardened underwater. Photo by Bournemouth University/ Historic England.</figcaption>
      </figure> <p>The cargo found aboard the Mortar Wreck was quite interesting! It included two Purbeck stone gravestone slabs from Dorset. They were exceptionally well-preserved!</p>
<p>
Other finds included one small and one large cauldron -  which were used to cook soup on the ship! Their long handles and some mugs onboard had hardened with concretion.
</p> <h5>How will protected status help the Mortar Wreck?</h5>  <p>The Protection of Wrecks Act, 1973 allows certain areas to be restricted. Areas or sites that have historical, artistic, or archaeological importance are sealed off from the public. This is so nobody tampers with or ruins it. But why should shipwreck sites be so protected?</p>
<p>
The sites can hold information about ships, overseas trade, and the lives of sailors and passengers! Through this, we can learn how people and society used to be in another time. We can find this out through utensils, jewellery and even the ship’s engine! Studying our past also helps us prepare better for the future.</p>

Ships that sink in the ocean are often lost forever. But some are found hundreds of years later! The government wants to protect some of them. Let’s find out why.

Oldest Shipwreck in England Given Government Protection

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Oldest Shipwreck in England Given Government Protection

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