The new project, supported by £50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, aims to educate both school children and the public about the new ways marine heritage is being explored, and some of the amazing new discoveries that have been made. It covers four counties – Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset and Gloucestershire – and will involve ‘time travel’ learning packs for use in the classroom and on the web.
“In the last few years there has been an upsurge in the amount of work done on marine archaeology,” explained project leader Euan McNeill. “This ranges from surveying the submerged landscapes that Britain’s first pre-historic settlers walked on; to World War Two aircraft crash sites.”
“Great historical events like the Armada are famous, but the sea has always been important in the South West and has helped shape its history. Linked inland by rivers, canals, roads and railways, the influence of the sea is never far away. This project allows everyone to time travel with us and we are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is supporting this project.
A new Education and Outreach Officer will be appointed to organise themed exhibitions aimed at school age audiences and also lectures for local societies.
“I am excited by this project,” said Wessex Archaeologist Phil Harding (known for appearing on TV’s Time Team). “Most people think of marine history as being about galleons and doubloons. That part of seafaring history is important, but an amazing range of other work is being done: on wrecks, in harbours, and all along the coast.”
“Some of the most high-tech kit you will ever see on an archaeological project is the scientific survey gear marine archaeologists use. Now you don’t need to get your feet wet to see below the sea.”
The Wessex Archaeology website is at www.wessexarch.co.uk.
