Doel Cog, c. 1325-1326

Country: Belgium

Place: Doel harbour development area, Port of Antwerp

Coordinates (approximate): 51.2982, 4.2697 (locality only)

Type: Cog (Bremen type), large cargo vessel

Identified: Archaeological type; historical name unknown

Dated: c. AD 1325-1326, by dendrochronology

 

Beam: About 7 m

Keel Length: Unknown.

Length Overall: About 22 m

Number of Masts: Unknown.

 

History of the wreck

The Doel cog was discovered in 2000 during the construction of harbour facilities near Doel, in the Port of Antwerp. The ship was dismantled and its timbers salvaged. Detailed study and conservation by the Flanders Heritage Agency began when research funding became available in 2014.

After iron removal, the timbers were sent in 2022 to a conservation workshop in Lille for polyethylene-glycol impregnation. A physical model built from three-dimensionally reproduced components has been used to test and present the reconstruction.

 

Description of the site

The wreck was found in a modern port development area near Doel. No surveyed position is published; the coordinates mark the locality.

 

Cargo

Not reported.

 

Ballast

Not reported.

 

Anchors

Not reported.

 

Guns

Not applicable.

 

Iron concretions

Not reported.

 

Hull Remains

At about 22 m long, 7 m wide and 3 m high, the Doel cog is among the largest excavated medieval cogs. About 750 numbered timbers were recovered, allowing a detailed reconstruction of its form and internal structure. It belongs to the bottom-based cog tradition, a broad cargo hull with a flush-laid bottom and clinker sides; its size indicates a large bulk carrier of the North Sea and Scheldt trade.

 

Keel, keelson and mast step

Not reported.

 

Frames

Not reported.

 

Planking

Flush-laid bottom and clinker-built sides.

 

Ceiling, thick stuff, and wales

Not reported.

 

Caulking

Not reported.

 

Size and scantlings

Length about 22 m; beam about 7 m; height of hull about 3 m; about 750 timbers recovered.

 

Wood

Not reported.

 

Bibliography

Flanders Heritage Agency. Doel cog conservation information. [Full reference to be completed.]

MaSS. “Doel cog.” [Full reference to be completed.]