Cllr Dion with the carved head part of the long rudder
A new exhibition showcasing one of the most important shipwrecks found in British waters opens at Poole Museum on Saturday 26 July. The opening will be marked with a Maritime Archaeology Day, part of the national Festival of Archaeology.
There will be a quiz, handling objects, tours of the gallery with the curator and activities for families.
The Swash Channel Wreck is a huge 17th century vessel thought to have been destined for the New World. The shipwreck has been widely featured in local and national media throughout its excavation, but this is the first chance for people to see objects from the wreck first hand.
At The Swash Channel Wreck: Poole’s mysterious shipwreck decoded, visitors will be able to find out about the work that has been going on behind the scenes to save this very rare shipwreck. They will be able to see the first objects to be conserved from the vessel, as well as find out what is known about the journey of this mysterious ship. There will be a children’s trail and other interactive exhibits to interest and entertain visitors of all ages.
Poole Museum’s Young Curators have also played an important part in developing the exhibition and have created a text panel and illustrations for the display.
Cllr Xena Dion, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for a Prosperous and Sustainable Poole, said: “This is a great opportunity for the local community to find out more about the Swash Channel Wreck. The exhibition is both fascinating and educational and highlights the rich maritime heritage of Poole.”
The free exhibition is part of a wider project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and led by Bournemouth University to raise awareness of the Swash Channel Wreck and maritime archaeology in general.
