NHER 67093 (Monument) - Site of medieval boat remains

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Summary

The remains of a boat dating to about 1400 to 1600 were encountered during excavations of a drainage ditch for the Broadland Flood Alleviation Project along the river Chet. This is the first vessel of this date to have been excavated within Norfolk. The vessel is approximately six metres long and it is uncertain whether it would have had a sail or have been rowed or quanted. It was well-constructed from thin planks with a mixture of wooden pegs, iron nails, and copper alloy nails and was waterproofed with a mixture of tar and animal hair. It would likely have been used to transport light goods down the river. The timbers were particularly well-preserved and it is hoped that they will be suitable for preservation and display at a Norfolk museum.

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Location

Map sheet TM39NE
Civil Parish LODDON, SOUTH NORFOLK, NORFOLK

Map

July-August 2013. Excavation.
The remains of a boat dating to about 1400 to 1600 were encountered during excavations of a drainage ditch for the Broadland Flood Alleviation Project along the river Chet. This is the first vessel of this date to have been excavated within Norfolk. The vessel is approximately six metres long and it is uncertain whether it would have had a sail or have been rowed or quanted. It was well-constructed from thin planks with a mixture of wooden pegs, iron nails, and copper alloy nails and was waterproofed with a mixture of tar and animal hair. It would likely have been used to transport light goods down the river. The timbers were particularly well-preserved and it is hoped that they will be suitable for preservation and display at a Norfolk museum.
Report awaited.
Information from press releases (S1), (S2) and (S3).
H. Hamilton (HES), 15 May 2023.

  • <S1> Newspaper Article: BBC News. 2013. Medieval boat discovered on River Chet, Loddon. 1 August 2013.
  • <S2> Newspaper Article: Daily Mail Online. 2013. Medieval boat found buried alongside Loddon's River Chet. 31 July 2013.
  • <S2> Newspaper Article: Daily Mail Online. 2013. Rare medieval boat hailed at 'significant' find by archaeologists digging up Norfolk marshland. 3 August 2013.
  • BOAT (Medieval to 16th Century - 1400 AD to 1600 AD)

Related NHER Records (0)

Record last edited

Jul 28 2025 10:50AM

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