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Following the impact of Storm Chandra, a significant discovery was made on a beach at Studland Bay in Dorset. On 28 January, sections of an old shipwreck became visible on this National Trust site, drawing the attention of maritime archaeologists from Bournemouth University. They believe these timbers are part of the missing piece of the Swash Channel wreck, initially located in the 1990s near a crucial shipping route leading to Poole Harbour.
Experts suggest the remains belong to the Fame of Hoorn, a Dutch armed merchant vessel that sank after running aground in 1631. The exposed portion, believed to be part of the hull, measures roughly 6 meters in length and 2 meters in width. According to the National Trust, the absence of internal planking layers indicates the wreck has likely been buried under sand since the 17th century, which has contributed to its preservation.
Tracey Churcher, general manager for the National Trust in Purbeck, expressed amazement at the find, highlighting the condition of the wooden tree nails: “The wooden tree nails are still in place and holding after 400 years. What a testament to the craftsmanship at the time.” To definitively identify the wreck, specialists plan to conduct dendrochronology tests on the timbers to determine the age and origin of the wood and compare these results with samples previously taken from the Swash Channel site.
Hefin Meara, a maritime archaeologist at Historic England, noted the rarity of such finds, stating, “The Swash Channel wreck is one of only 57 shipwrecks around the coast of England designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. Firmly dated remains of vessels predating 1700 are exceptionally rare. We can’t say for certain that these fragments come from that wreck site, but it’s an intriguing possibility.” The Bournemouth University team has applied for funding to excavate the timbers, which are protected under law, and hopes to eventually include them in the collection at Poole Museum. Meanwhile, visitors are advised not to disturb the exposed remains to help preserve the site
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