Cattewater, c. 1500

Country: United Kingdom

Place: Cattewater, at the mouth of the River Plym, near Plymouth, England

Identified: Not identified by name

Dated: c. 1500 (per the site name/date convention used in this entry; not otherwise specified in the source text)

Keel Length: About 6 m (based on the surviving keel fragment)

History of the shipwreck

In 1973, a dredging operation accidentally brought up timbers in the mouth of the River Plym. After a quick survey, the National Maritime Museum recovered several timbers and artifacts, and the finds led to the area being made a protected site. The Institute of Archaeology Underwater Research Group was invited to study the site in 1976 and continued its studies until 1978.

Description of the site

The site is located at the mouth of the River Plym near Plymouth, United Kingdom. Despite being only 9 m in depth, the site had poor visibility (often 0-3 m), largely due to the tidal stream and surface sludge.

Cargo

Not described in the source text.

Hull Remains

Keel

The keel was found with extensive dredger damage. It was about 6 m long and made of oak.

Planking

Seven plank fragments were found, with lengths from 1-3 m. These were made of oak and were around 6 cm thick. Outer planks were found 24-32 cm wide and 6-7 cm thick.

Fastenings

Treenails, 27-32 cm in diameter, were found fastening the outer planking to the frames, spaced at 75-85 cm. Iron fastenings were also discovered; these had 8 mm sides each and were riveted with washers.

Size and scantlings

Keel: about 6 m long. Planking: plank fragments 1-3 m long, about 6 cm thick; outer planks 24-32 cm wide, 6-7 cm thick. Fastenings: treenails 27-32 cm in diameter, spaced 75-85 cm; iron fastenings 8 mm sided. No further scantling measurements are given in the source text.

Wood

All examined treenails and planking are oak.

References

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1095-9270.1978.tb01065.x/pdf [full citation not given in source text].