Newport Medieval Ship

Artefacts

Hundreds of amazing artefacts were recovered during the excavation of the Newport Ship.  Items like the pulley blocks and rigging elements were used during the working life of the ship. A range of leather shoes were found, including a patten, a sort of overshoe made from wood and metal. An archer’s wrist guard and a brass strip (probably from a helmet), both with Latin inscriptions, were found during the excavation. Other items include Portuguese coins and ceramics.

One of the most important objects is a silver French coin, found purposely inserted into a small rebate in the keel. The coin was placed in a small hole early on in the ship’s construction. Experts have dated the coin to the late 1440s.

Finely carved wooden combs, bowls and a wooden gaming piece show the high level of skill of medieval craftsmen. The waterlogged condition of the site helped to preserve many of the organic items.