How do shipwrecks happen?
In earlier times, it used to be common for ships to sink at sea. They would sink when strong winds or glaciers in the ocean would knock them over.
Sunken ships or shipwrecks can be important archaeological sites! They carry things that people used in the past.
What happens to ships after they sink?
Ships are very big and heavy. It would be impossible to pull them out of the water completely. That’s why many of them are left at the bottom of the ocean floor. Over time, most parts of the ship get lost in the ocean.
Ships get covered in seaweed. These ships become homes to corals and ocean creatures like fish and eels.
What about the discovery of the oldest shipwreck in England?
A shipwreck was found in Dorset, England. It was named the Mortar Wreck. The wreck was first discovered in 2020 by a group of divers.
Archaeologists have found that the ship is from the 13th century. They were able to find this out by studying the wood used in the ship. It comes from Irish oak trees cut down between 1242 and 1265. It’s amazing how the wood has survived in the water for more than 700 years!
This makes the Mortar Wreck the oldest surviving shipwreck in England! For this reason, it has been given the Protected Wreck status.
What did they find on the sunken ship?
The cargo found in the Mortar Wreck was quite interesting! It included two shiny limestone slabs from Dorset. Other items found include two large pots which were used to cook soup on the ship. They had formed hard rocks on them.
How will protected status help the Mortar Wreck?
When an area is ‘protected’ it can be closed off to the public. This is done to historically important sites. They are protected so people don’t disturb or ruin them, and they can be studied by archaeologists later. This way, we can learn more about the past.
