Winter storms have uncovered historic ship timbers on Studland beach, prompting detailed archaeological investigation.
Timbers exposed on the shoreline in late January are believed by Bournemouth University maritime archaeologists to date from the seventeenth century, following surveys which suggest the structure could be part of the Swash Channel wreck, a protected site near Poole Harbour.
Archaeologist Tom Cousins, who led the inspection, said the find was exciting and matched sections missing from earlier excavations, adding that the newly revealed hull fragment could help complete understanding of the original vessel’s construction and later movement beneath shifting sands.
Records indicate the wreck may be The Fame, a Dutch merchant ship that ran aground and sank in 1631, with the newly exposed section measuring around 6m by 2m and showing well-preserved outer hull planks alongside more eroded internal frames.
The National Trust and Historic England are now working with Bournemouth University to assess the discovery, with dendrochronology testing planned to confirm its origin, while visitors are asked to leave the timbers undisturbed as licensing decisions are considered.
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