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The Purton Hulks - Boat Graveyard - 2009 |
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03 November 2009 |
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The IWA reports:
“Archaeologists have begun excavating boats from Britain's largest "ships' graveyard" using 3D laser technology. The barges, known as the Purton Hulks, line the River Severn near Sharpness. Around 100 years ago, locals started deliberately beaching the vessels in the mud to stop the banks of the Gloucester Sharpness canal being eroded by tides on the River Severn. The practice continued until the 1970s and now there are 81 boats lying derelict, making it the largest "ships' graveyard" to be found on mainland Britain.
A group of conservationists called the Friends of Purton are documenting all of the vessels and have undertaken their first archaeological dig. For more information go to www.friendsofpurton.org.uk”
The site makes interesting reading and the project has sparked a huge amount of interest in recent years. They are recording the remains of the boats; it is not a restoration programme. It appears to have wide appeal; from those interested in boat history, the local community, the navigations, archeology, the industrial past and family history. Recording the Purton Hulks - pdf documentThere are at least three heritage boats on Irish inland waterways that come from this area. Jarra, previously known as the Naas and originally a steamer, was built here in 1895. The St Brigid and St Patrick both featured in Fine Lines – Clear Water and built circa 1935 were bought from the Severn Navigation Company in 1945 and 1946.
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Last Updated ( 19 December 2009 )
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