While excavating materials with a ‘backhoe’ dredger at Denge quarry, on the Romney Marshes in Kent, Richard Cork discovered a number of substantial ship’s timbers, including at least four large sections of hull.

The timbers were recovered from approximately 8m below the water surface of the quarry. The team called in Wessex Archaeology and an archaeological exclusion zone was put in place around the location of the finds, as it was believed that further material was present.

After initial inspections by Wessex, they believe the vessel is of at least local importance in what it can contribute to the archaeological record of the Romney Marsh and the history and development of shipbuilding in the Cinque Ports, and their relationship with the wider world, in terms of trade and commerce.

Due to the potential high significance of the remains, all artefacts are being retained, kept wet, and recorded in detail.