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17th Century Wreck Rescued from Dorset Coast
20 Feb
Summary
- A 17th-century shipwreck was saved from a Dorset beach after a storm exposed it.
- Archaeologists worked against tides to excavate and remove ship timbers.
- The wreck is believed to be part of 'The Fame of Hoorn,' lost in 1631.
A significant 17th-century shipwreck, believed to be the Dutch merchant vessel 'The Fame of Hoorn,' has been saved from destruction on Dorset's Studland Beach. The wreck, originally lost in 1631, was uncovered by Storm Chandra at the end of January 2026. Facing imminent threats from further stormy weather, marine archaeologists from Bournemouth University collaborated with the National Trust's youth group to conduct an urgent excavation.
Starting at low tide, the team worked swiftly to remove tonnes of sand, allowing for the careful lifting and dismantling of the exposed hull section. This portion, approximately six metres long and two metres wide, is thought to be a midship hull fragment. Archaeologists estimate the original ship, built in 1628, was around 40 metres long and equipped with at least 26 guns, carrying salt from the Caribbean.
This newly discovered section is believed to be a missing piece of the Swash Channel Wreck, previously discovered by divers in the 1990s. Earlier excavations recovered a substantial portion of the ship, including its rudder. The timbers from Studland Beach will undergo dendrochronology to determine the age of the trees used in its construction, potentially confirming its identity as part of 'The Fame of Hoorn.' Remains of vessels predating 1700 are exceptionally rare and significant discoveries.
