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The National
7 days ago
- General
- The National
Archaeologists identify 250-year-old shipwreck in Orkney
Expert say the vessel discovered on the island of Sanday last year is most likely the Earl of Chatham, a former Royal Navy vessel called HMS Hind that was later renamed once it became a whaling ship. Historic Environment Scotland (HSE), which funded the research, said the sixth-rate 24-gun frigate saw many years of active service, including sieges of Louisbourg and Quebec in the 1750s and the American Revolutionary War in the late 1770s. Once it was decommissioned, it was sold and renamed the Earl of Chatham, becoming a 500-tonne whaling ship. (Image: Orkney Islands Council) HSE said this was common for Royal Navy ships because their build quality allowed them to withstand the icy conditions of British whaling routes. As the Earl of Chatham, it completed four seasons in the Arctic before ultimately meeting its end in the Bay of Lopness in March 1788. It carried 56 sailors on board at the time, all of whom survived. READ MORE: Glasgow Commonwealth Games official mascot unveiled Wessex Archaeology, along with with Dendrochronicle and volunteer community researchers, began working on its origins following its discovery in February 2024. Analysis of the wood determined the ship was built with timber from south and south-west England. Archaeologists from Wessex Archaeology, local community researchers, and the Sanday Heritage Centre then spent several months working with archives and community records to find the most likely candidate for the ship. This research was also supported by Sanday [[Heritage]] Group and Orkney Archaeology Society. The Sanday Wreck was revealed last year thanks to changes in the climate. Increased storminess and unusual wind patterns led to removal of the covering sands which had hidden and protected the wreck for centuries. Changes to coastlines, which are predicted to accelerate in coming decades, could make similar finds more common. Ben Saunders, senior marine archaeologist at Wessex Archaeology, said: 'It is thanks to our dedicated team of community researchers and the evidence they have gathered that means we have been able to identify the Sanday Wreck with a reasonable degree of confidence. Ben Saunders (Image: Orkney Islands Council) Ben Saunders (Image: Orkney Islands Council) 'Throughout this project, we have learned so much about the wreck, but also about the community in Sanday in the 1780s. 'Sanday was infamous for shipwrecks at the time, called 'the cradle of shipwrecks in Scotland', but the community was equally well-known for its hospitability as it looked after sailors who fell afoul of the area's stormy seas. 'We are grateful to the support from our partners, and we're delighted to be able to share our work on this intriguing wreck.' Alison Turnbull, director of external relations and partnerships at HES, said: 'The discovery of the Sanday Wreck is a rare and fascinating story. READ MORE: Ozzy Osbourne dies 'surrounded by love' at the age of 76, family says 'Wessex Archaeology worked closely with the community of Sanday to discover the ship's identity, which shows that communities hold the keys to their own heritage. 'It is our job to empower communities to make these discoveries and be able to tell the story of their historic environment. 'We are proud to have grant-funded this work, which supports both Scotland's archaeology strategy of making archaeology matter, and Scotland's national strategy for the historic environment – Our Past, Our Future.' Nick Hewitt, culture team manager for Orkney Islands Council, added: 'It has been a wonderful team effort so far between many and one we're proud to have been a part of, and will continue to be as we support the Sanday community explore the future possibilities for their wreck.' The timbers are currently housed in a freshwater tank at the Sanday Heritage Centre to conserve them. There visitors can find out more about the wreck's story and Sanday's history.
STV News
7 days ago
- General
- STV News
Archaeologists uncover identity of 1700s Scottish shipwreck
Archaeologists have uncovered the identity of a 1700s vessel shipwrecked in Orkney. Expert say the vessel discovered on the island of Sanday last year is most likely the Earl of Chatham, a former Royal Navy vessel called HMS Hind that was later renamed once it became a whaling ship. Historic Environment Scotland (HSE), which funded the research, said the sixth-rate 24-gun frigate saw many years of active service, including sieges of Louisbourg and Quebec in the 1750s and the American Revolutionary War in the late 1770s. Once it was decommissioned, it was sold and renamed the Earl of Chatham, becoming a 500-tonne whaling ship. PA Media HSE said this was common for Royal Navy ships because their build quality allowed them to withstand the icy conditions of British whaling routes. As the Earl of Chatham, it completed four seasons in the Arctic before ultimately meeting its end in the Bay of Lopness in March 1788. It carried 56 sailors on board at the time, all of whom survived. Wessex Archaeology, along with with Dendrochronicle and volunteer community researchers, began working on its origins following its discovery in February 2024. PA Media Analysis of the wood determined the ship was built with timber from south and south-west England. Archaeologists from Wessex Archaeology, local community researchers, and the Sanday Heritage Centre then spent several months working with archives and community records to find the most likely candidate for the ship. This research was also supported by Sanday Heritage Group and Orkney Archaeology Society. The Sanday Wreck was revealed last year thanks to changes in the climate. Increased storminess and unusual wind patterns led to removal of the covering sands which had hidden and protected the wreck for centuries. Changes to coastlines, which are predicted to accelerate in coming decades, could make similar finds more common. Ben Saunders, senior marine archaeologist at Wessex Archaeology, said: 'It is thanks to our dedicated team of community researchers and the evidence they have gathered that means we have been able to identify the Sanday Wreck with a reasonable degree of confidence. PA Media 'Throughout this project, we have learned so much about the wreck, but also about the community in Sanday in the 1780s. 'Sanday was infamous for shipwrecks at the time, called 'the cradle of shipwrecks in Scotland', but the community was equally well-known for its hospitability as it looked after sailors who fell afoul of the area's stormy seas. 'We are grateful to the support from our partners, and we're delighted to be able to share our work on this intriguing wreck.' PA Media Alison Turnbull, director of external relations and partnerships at HES, said: 'The discovery of the Sanday Wreck is a rare and fascinating story. 'Wessex Archaeology worked closely with the community of Sanday to discover the ship's identity, which shows that communities hold the keys to their own heritage. 'It is our job to empower communities to make these discoveries and be able to tell the story of their historic environment. PA Media 'We are proud to have grant-funded this work, which supports both Scotland's archaeology strategy of making archaeology matter, and Scotland's national strategy for the historic environment – Our Past, Our Future.' Nick Hewitt, culture team manager for Orkney Islands Council, added: 'It has been a wonderful team effort so far between many and one we're proud to have been a part of, and will continue to be as we support the Sanday community explore the future possibilities for their wreck.' PA Media The timbers are currently housed in a freshwater tank at the Sanday Heritage Centre to conserve them. There visitors can find out more about the wreck's story and Sanday's history. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Science
- Daily Record
Archeologists identify 250-year-old ship on Orkney
The shipwreck has had its identity discovered after being found on the island of Sanday last year. The identity of a 1700s vessel shipwrecked in Orkney has been uncovered by archaeologists. The ship discovered on the island of Sanday last year is most likely the Earl of Chatham - a former Royal Navy vessel called HMS Hind that was later renamed once it became a whaling ship. Historic Environment Scotland (HSE), which funded the research, said the sixth-rate 24-gun frigate saw many years of active service, including sieges of Louisbourg and Quebec in the 1750s and the American Revolutionary War in the late 1770s. Once it was decommissioned, it was sold and renamed the Earl of Chatham, becoming a 500-tonne whaling ship. This was common for Royal Navy ships because their build quality allowed them to withstand the icy conditions of British whaling routes, according to HSE. As the Earl of Chatham, it completed four seasons in the Arctic before ultimately meeting its end in the Bay of Lopness in March 1788. It carried 56 sailors on board at the time, all of whom survived. Following its discovery in February 2024, Wessex Archaeology, along with Dendrochronicle and volunteer community researchers, began working on its origins. Analysis of the wood determined the ship was built with timber from south and south-west England. Archaeologists from Wessex Archaeology, local community researchers, and the Sanday Heritage Centre then spent several months working with archives and community records to find the most likely candidate for the ship. This research was also supported by Sanday Heritage Group and Orkney Archaeology Society. The Sanday Wreck was revealed last year thanks to changes in the climate. Increased storminess and unusual wind patterns led to removal of the covering sands which had hidden and protected the wreck for centuries. Changes to coastlines, which are predicted to accelerate in coming decades, could make similar finds more common. Ben Saunders, senior marine archaeologist at Wessex Archaeology, said: 'It is thanks to our dedicated team of community researchers and the evidence they have gathered that means we have been able to identify the Sanday Wreck with a reasonable degree of confidence. 'Throughout this project, we have learned so much about the wreck, but also about the community in Sanday in the 1780s. ' Sanday was infamous for shipwrecks at the time, called 'the cradle of shipwrecks in Scotland', but the community was equally well-known for its hospitability as it looked after sailors who fell afoul of the area's stormy seas. 'We are grateful to the support from our partners, and we're delighted to be able to share our work on this intriguing wreck.' Alison Turnbull, director of external relations and partnerships at HES, said: 'The discovery of the Sanday Wreck is a rare and fascinating story. 'Wessex Archaeology worked closely with the community of Sanday to discover the ship's identity, which shows that communities hold the keys to their own heritage. 'It is our job to empower communities to make these discoveries and be able to tell the story of their historic environment. 'We are proud to have grant-funded this work, which supports both Scotland's archaeology strategy of making archaeology matter, and Scotland's national strategy for the historic environment – Our Past, Our Future.' Nick Hewitt, culture team manager for Orkney Islands Council, added: 'It has been a wonderful team effort so far between many and one we're proud to have been a part of, and will continue to be as we support the Sanday community explore the future possibilities for their wreck.' The timbers are currently housed in a freshwater tank at the Sanday Heritage Centre to conserve them. There visitors can find out more about the wreck's story and Sanday's history. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
-Wessex-Archaeology.jpeg%3Fwidth%3D1200%26auto%3Dwebp%26quality%3D75%26trim%3D0%2C0%2C0%2C0%26crop%3D&w=3840&q=100)
Scotsman
7 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Archaeologists uncover identity of 1700s Orkney shipwreck
Vessel was frigate before whaling ship that may have been involved in sieges of Louisbourg and Quebec in the 1750s and the American Revolutionary War Sign up to our History and Heritage newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Archaeologists have uncovered the identity of a 1700s vessel shipwrecked in Orkney. Expert say the vessel discovered on the island of Sanday last year is most likely the Earl of Chatham, a former Royal Navy vessel called HMS Hind that was later renamed once it became a whaling ship. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Historic Environment Scotland (HSE), which funded the research, said the sixth-rate 24-gun frigate saw many years of active service, including sieges of Louisbourg and Quebec in the 1750s and the American Revolutionary War in the late 1770s. Ben Saunders, Senior Marine Archaeologist at Wessex Archaeology, studies a timber sample used for the scientific analysis of the Sanday Wreck | Historic Environment Scotland Once it was decommissioned, it was sold and renamed the Earl of Chatham, becoming a 500-tonne whaling ship. HSE said this was common for Royal Navy ships because their build quality allowed them to withstand the icy conditions of British whaling routes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As the Earl of Chatham, it completed four seasons in the Arctic before ultimately meeting its end in the Bay of Lopness in March 1788. It carried 56 sailors on board at the time, all of whom survived. Wessex Archaeology, along with with Dendrochronicle and volunteer community researchers, began working on its origins following its discovery in February 2024. The Sanday Wreck on the shores of Sanday | The Sanday Wreck on the shores of Sanday, February 2024 (c) Wessex Archaeology Analysis of the wood determined the ship was built with timber from south and south-west England. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Archaeologists from Wessex Archaeology, local community researchers, and the Sanday Heritage Centre then spent several months working with archives and community records to find the most likely candidate for the ship. This research was also supported by Sanday Heritage Group and Orkney Archaeology Society. Unusual wind patterns uncovered sand The Sanday Wreck was revealed last year thanks to changes in the climate. Increased storminess and unusual wind patterns led to removal of the covering sands which had hidden and protected the wreck for centuries. Changes to coastlines, which are predicted to accelerate in coming decades, could make similar finds more common. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ben Saunders, senior marine archaeologist at Wessex Archaeology, said: 'It is thanks to our dedicated team of community researchers and the evidence they have gathered that means we have been able to identify the Sanday Wreck with a reasonable degree of confidence. Infamous for shipwrecks 'Throughout this project, we have learned so much about the wreck, but also about the community in Sanday in the 1780s. 'Sanday was infamous for shipwrecks at the time, called 'the cradle of shipwrecks in Scotland', but the community was equally well-known for its hospitability as it looked after sailors who fell afoul of the area's stormy seas. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We are grateful to the support from our partners, and we're delighted to be able to share our work on this intriguing wreck.' Alison Turnbull, director of external relations and partnerships at HES, said: 'The discovery of the Sanday Wreck is a rare and fascinating story. Ben Saunders from Wessex Archaeology supervises the Sanday Wreck timbers as they are placed in a freshwater tank to preserve them | Orkney Islands Council 'Wessex Archaeology worked closely with the community of Sanday to discover the ship's identity, which shows that communities hold the keys to their own heritage. 'It is our job to empower communities to make these discoveries and be able to tell the story of their historic environment. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We are proud to have grant-funded this work, which supports both Scotland's archaeology strategy of making archaeology matter, and Scotland's national strategy for the historic environment – Our Past, Our Future.' Nick Hewitt, culture team manager for Orkney Islands Council, added: 'It has been a wonderful team effort so far between many and one we're proud to have been a part of, and will continue to be as we support the Sanday community explore the future possibilities for their wreck.'
The Herald Scotland
7 days ago
- Science
- The Herald Scotland
Identity of shipwreck discovered on Scottish island revealed
Archaeology and heritage service provider Wessex Archaeology, working with Dendrochronicle - an organisation that specialises in dendrochonology (a dating technique that utilises tree rings to provide precise dating and provenance information for historic timber) - and volunteer community researchers, made the discovery thanks to funding from Historic Enivronment Scotland (HES). All available evidence points to the wreck being the Earl of Chatham, a former Royal Navy vessel called HMS Hind which was latterly renamed once it became a whaling ship. READ MORE: Shipwreck exposed by Orkney winter storms to be preserved in tank A sixth rate 24-gun frigate, HMS Hind saw many years of active service, including the sieges of Louisbourg and Quebec in the 1750s and the American Revolutionary War in the late 1770s. Once it was decommissioned, it was sold and renamed the Earl of Chatham, becoming a mighty 500-ton whaling ship, whic completed four seasons in the Arctic before ultimately meeting its end in the Bay of Lopness in March 1788. It carried 56 sailors on-board at the time, all of whom survived. After the timbers were first discovered by the community of Sanday last year, Dendrochronology conducted a dendrochronological assessment and analysis of the wood. They were able to determine that the ship was built with wood from south and southwest England. Once the provenance of the timbers was established, archaeologists from Wessex Archaeology, local community researchers, and the Sanday Heritage Centre spent several months working with archives and community records to find the most likely candidate for the ship. The research was further supported by Sanday [[Heritage]] Group and [[Orkney]] Archaeology Society. The Sanday Wreck, now believed to be the Earl of Chatham, was revealed due to changes in the climate. Increased storminess and unusual wind patterns led to removal of the covering sands which had hidden and protected the wreck for centuries. Changes to coastlines, which are predicted to accelerate in coming decades, could make similar finds more common. Ben Saunders, Senior Marine Archaeologist at Wessex Archaeology, said: 'It is thanks to our dedicated team of community researchers and the evidence they have gathered that means we have been able to identify the Sanday Wreck with a reasonable degree of confidence. Throughout this project, we have learned so much about the wreck, but also about the community in Sanday in the 1780s. Sanday was infamous for shipwrecks at the time, called 'the cradle of shipwrecks in Scotland', but the community was equally well-known for its hospitability as it looked after sailors who fell afoul of the area's stormy seas. Ben Saunders from Wessex Archaeology supervises the Sanday Wreck timbers as they are placed in a freshwater tank to preserve them (Image: Orkney Islands Council) 'We are grateful to the support from our partners, and we're delighted to be able to share our work on this intriguing wreck.' Alison Turnbull, Director of External Relations and Partnerships at HES, said: 'The discovery of the Sanday Wreck is a rare and fascinating story. Wessex Archaeology worked closely with the community of Sanday to discover the ship's identity, which shows that communities hold the keys to their own heritage. It is our job to empower communities to make these discoveries and be able to tell the story of their historic environment.' 'We are proud to have grant-funded this work, which supports both Scotland's Archaeology Strategy of making archaeology matter, and Scotland's national strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.' Nick Hewitt, Culture Team Manager for Orkney Islands Council, said: 'It has been a wonderful team effort so far between many and one we're proud to have been a part of, and will continue to be as we support the Sanday community explore the future possibilities for their wreck.' A close up of the 3d model of the Sanday Wreck, which has recently been identified as the Earl of Chatham (Image: Wessex Archaeology) Clive Struver, Chair of the Sanday Development Trust added: 'The work to uncover the identity of the wreck has been hugely exciting. 'Now that we have this knowledge about the wreck and how it came to rest in Sanday, the next step is very much to explore what the community here would like to see happen in terms of where and how the story of the wreck and our island's past as the 'cradle of shipwrecks in Scotland' can be captured for generations to come – including importantly how that could be achieved in the context of a small island and in a way that honours and reflects the unique character of Sanday.' The timbers are currently housed in a freshwater tank at the Sanday Heritage Centre to conserve them, where visitors can find out more about the wreck's story and Sanday's history. The tank was funded by National Heritage Memorial Fund and provides a stable environment for the timbers, which if not submerged in water would begin to dry out and crumble after so long buried in the intertidal sands.
