Medieval Ship

The Newport Medieval Ship was discovered in the banks of the River Usk in June 2002 during construction of The Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre. The ship was excavated by a team of archaeologists with the vessel being dismantled and raised, piece by piece, over a period of twelve weeks between August and November 2002. Supported by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, an international team of specialists are involved in cleaning and recording all 1700 ship timbers.

The Newport ship is the most complete example of a fifteenth century clinker-built merchant vessel ever found in the United Kingdom. The ship is Circa 35 metres in overall length and appears to be constructed in the Northern European ‘keel first’ shell-based tradition, in contrast to the cog and hulk traditions. It is guessed to have been built in the mid 15th century.

Newport Museum & Art Gallery has a display on the Medieval Ship and there are also open days.

If you are interested in visiting the ship as a school or group visit please contact the Access Officer, Neil Stevenson, on 01633 215708.

For further information contact:

Newport Medieval Ship
Unit 22
Maesglas Industrial Estate
Newport
Gwent
NP20 2NN
Telephone: 01633 215707
Email: newport.ship@newport.gov.uk