Newport Medieval Ship

The Newport Medieval Ship is a late 15th-century sailing vessel found during construction work on the Riverfront Arts Centre in Newport. It lies on the west bank of the River Usk, in the heart of the city. The remains were damaged by building work but still form a significant archaeological discovery. Artefacts and environmental material were recovered alongside the hull. The ship is now officially called the Newport Medieval Ship to avoid confusion with other historic vessels. The vessel was around 35 metres long and could carry about 161 tons of cargo. Contemporary records describe such ships as ‘great ships’ used for long-distance trade. They sailed between Britain, Biscay and southern Iberia, often carrying wine from Bordeaux. Dendrochronology places its construction soon after the winter of 1457–58, with most timber coming from the Basque Country. Repairs used British wood, suggesting it was refitted in Newport before sinking. Visitors find the ship’s timbers preserved in a dedicated conservation centre. The hull shows clinker construction with overlapping oak planks fastened by iron nails and roves. Marks on the wood may be shipwrights’ instructions or personal symbols. The starboard side remains nearly intact, while the port side was cut down to preserve the hull shape. Inside, stringers and ceiling planks line the frames, protecting cargo from the outer hull. The team continues to study the timber for clues about its builders and trading routes.