Piece of maritime history washes up at Wells

A piece of ship’s timber which likely dates from the so-called ‘Age of Discovery’ has washed up at Wells-next-the-Sea.

A piece of timber washed up at Wells-next-the-Sea, which is believed to be from a ship, perhaps pre-1800. Picture: ROBERT SMITH - Credit: Archant

The long piece of ship’s wood which is fitted with brass fastenings was found at the Port of Wells on Saturday (March 31).

Robert Smith, harbour master, said on Twitter the wood probably dated from before 1800.

He posted: “Lovely piece of history washed up today at #Portofwells. A ships timber probably from a wreck, brass fastenings have round head and body which indicates pre-1800s”.

But Mr Smith later told this newspaper such debris washing up was not unusual.

A piece of timber washed up at Wells-next-the-Sea, which is believed to be from a ship, perhaps pre-1800. Picture: ROBERT SMITH - Credit: Archant

He said: “It’s a regular occurrence along our coast for ship timbers to appear, especially after a spell of winter storms.”

The Age of Discovery dated from around 1500 to 1800, and was characterised by extensive overseas exploration by European powers, predominantly in wooden sailing ‘ship-rigged’ vessels.