Second prehistoric log boat unearthed
Submitted by vicky on Monday, 24 November 2003 Page Views: 3297
DiscoveriesA Second prehistoric log boat has been unearthed in a Derbyshire quarry less than a mile from where a similar find was discovered five years ago. Archaeologists found the 3,500-year-old log boat, which dates back to the Bronze Age, at Shardlow Quarry that used to be river channel into the Trent.The boat lay 1km away from the area where a similar boat, now on display at Derby Museum and Art Gallery, the Strand, was found in 1998.
University of Birmingham archaeologists made the discovery in September while carrying out a study on behalf of the quarry's owners, Hanson Aggregates, but news of the find has just been revealed.
The company wanted to build an access road on the land as part of the quarry's extension, but the find now means the road will be constructed elsewhere.
Archaeologists believe the nine-metre boat sank and had been covered by silt - preserving the wooden structure, carved from a single oak log.
Dr David Barrett, Derbyshire County Council archaeologist, said: "The log boat is quite well preserved and is similar to others found in the country.
"We do not know how it sank and we believe it dates back to between 1500BC and 1000BC, but that is yet to be confirmed.
"This discovery shows the flood plain by the Trent was quite well used by people in that period."
The council and English Heritage have now decided to re-bury the latest find to ensure it is preserved. Its condition will be monitored and the boat will be excavated if it deteriorates.
The boat on display at Derby Museum was excavated at a cost of almost £119,000, funded by the Hanson Environment Fund and the museum.
Dr Barrett added: "The latest boat is underwater to ensure it is preserved because it will dry out if it is exposed to the air.
"We will be recording details about the boat and taking photographs of it before we re-bury it in silt.
"It has survived being buried for 3,500 years, so I'm sure it will be there for generations to come."
An English Heritage spokesman said: "We are working with Derbyshire County Council about the future preservation of the latest find."
Log boats were used between the mesolithic and medieval periods and carried cargo and people.
Source: This is Derbyshir 24/11/2003
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