Current:Home > BackMassive "grave slabs" recovered from UK's oldest shipwreck-InfoLens
Massive "grave slabs" recovered from UK's oldest shipwreck
View Date:2024-12-23 11:51:06
Maritime archaeologists have recovered several grave markers from the United Kingdom's oldest shipwreck.
The Mortar Wreck, named for its collection of marble mortars found aboard, was discovered off the coast of Dorset, England in 2020 and granted protected status in 2022.
Researchers have already brought items including pottery and kitchen objects above the surface, but a recent expedition by a team from England's Bournemouth University recovered multiple carved grave slabs and stone mortars made for grinding flour, CBS partner BBC News reported.
Dr. Derek Pitman, the head of archaeology at Bournemouth University, told BBC News that the 13th-century wreck was "really well preserved." He believes the ship, which had a "relatively large cargo," hit choppy waters as it was departing from Dorset's Poole Harbor.
The stone found aboard the ship was likely brought from southern England to Dorset, where it was loaded aboard. For centuries, the items remained at the bottom of Poole Bay.
"It was full of stone mortars and burial slabs. I've never seen anything like it," Pitman told the BBC.
Raising the stone slabs required a "monstrous barge," Pitman said. The "huge crates" were lifted onto the barge. Photos and videos from the operation show divers using machinery to lift the heavy slabs, which would have covered gravestones.
They and the mortars brought up from the wreck will undergo conservation work, according to the BBC, and be put on display at the Poole Museum.
- In:
- Shipwreck
- Oceans
Kerry Breen is a news editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York University's Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News' TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use.
TwitterveryGood! (5177)
Related
- How to protect your Social Security number from the Dark Web
- US gymnastics championships highlights: Simone Biles cruising toward another national title
- Kyra Sedgwick and the lighter side of disability in All of Me
- Retired Navy admiral arrested in bribery case linked to government contract
- Prosecutor failed to show that Musk’s $1M-a-day sweepstakes was an illegal lottery, judge says
- World War II veterans take off for France for 80th anniversary of D-Day
- Police arrest 'thong thief' accused of stealing $14K of Victoria's Secret underwear
- How Dance Moms’ Kelly Hyland Is Preserving Her Hair Amid Cancer Treatment
- Democrat Cleo Fields wins re-drawn Louisiana congressional district, flipping red seat blue
- Mike Tyson's medical scare postpones his boxing match with Jake Paul
Ranking
- Apologetic rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine gets 45 days in prison for probation violations
- Detroit Pistons to part ways with general manager Troy Weaver after four seasons
- Donald Trump’s attorney says he was shocked the former president took the verdict with ‘solemness’
- Teen Mom's Maci Bookout Reveals How She and Ryan Edwards Finally Learned to Co-Parent
- 13 Skincare Gifts Under $50 That Are Actually Worth It
- Anal sex is stigmatized due to homophobia, experts say. It's time we start talking about it.
- Most US students are recovering from pandemic-era setbacks, but millions are making up little ground
- LGBTQ communities, allies around US taking steps to promote safety at Pride 2024 events
Recommendation
-
Indiana in the top five of the College Football Playoff rankings? You've got to be kidding
-
Millions of Americans are losing access to low-cost internet service
-
Police in Maryland search for registered sex offender in the death of a parole officer
-
Florida sheriff’s office fires deputy who fatally shot Black airman at home
-
A crowd of strangers brought 613 cakes and then set out to eat them
-
Google admits its AI Overviews can generate some odd, inaccurate results
-
Charlotte police plan investigation update on fatal shootings of 4 officers
-
Disruptions at University of Chicago graduation as school withholds 4 diplomas over protests