Bournemouth University Maritime Archaeology

11/03/2026

24/02/2026

Armed with colourful beach spades, archaeologists, students and local schoolchildren helped safely excavate historic ship timbers recently revealed at Studland Bay.

Maritime Archaeology experts at Bournemouth University believe the timbers are part of the Swash Channel wreck, and likely the Fame of Hoorn, which sank in 1631.

Each piece was carefully uncovered, logged and wrapped in a day-long operation before heading off for preservation. Dendrochronology testing will now confirm whether these long-lost timbers truly belong to the famous wreck.

For further information visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/studland-bay/historic-timbers-found-at-studland-bay

Image: National Trust. Steve Haywood.

21/02/2026

20/02/2026

BBC coverage of yesterdays excavation

The timbers, believed to be from the Swash Channel wreck, were found in January on Studland beach.

19/02/2026

We excavated Invincible from 2017 to 2019 with MAST today we excavated another wreck that was lost in January 1631

13/02/2026

We had a fantastic afternoon on Wednesday with a brilliant talk from Tom Cousins on maritime archaeology in the Purbecks. 🌊⚓

It was a fascinating insight into the rich coastal history right on our doorstep — from submerged landscapes to remarkable discoveries beneath the waves. A huge thank you to Tom for such an engaging and thought-provoking presentation.

And thank you to everyone who came along — it was wonderful to see so many of you there.

We hope you’ll join us again next week for our next talk, when Phil Trim from Wessex Archaeology will be discussing the Moors at Arne excavations — another exciting look at local archaeology not to be missed!

See you there!

09/02/2026

The discovery and recording of a section of ship, potentially part of the Swash Channel Wreck was found eroding out of the beach at Studland Beach. You can read more about the Swash Channel Wreck here: https://www.archaeopress.com/Archaeopress/Products/9781803277875

Experts believe timbers found at Studland Beach form a missing piece of the Swash Channel wreck from 1631.

15/01/2026

We are delighted to invite you to join us for the official launch of The Swash Channel Wreck: An Archaeological Investigation of a 17th-Century Armed Dutch Merchantman, authored by Dave Parham and Thomas Cousins.

A public lecture will accompany the book launch and will take place on Wednesday, the 28th of January 2026 at 18:30 in the SHARE lecture theatre, Bournemouth University.
BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET HERE:

Book Launch & Public Lecture: The Swash Channel Wreck Tickets, Wed, Jan 28, 2026 at 6:30 PM | Eventbrite

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/book-launch-public-lecture-the-swash-channel-wreck-tickets-1979860577283

11/12/2025

This is incredibly exciting!

26/11/2025

Something exciting is surfacing 🌊⚓⛵

Shipwrecks, artefacts, and stories lost to the deep are about to make waves 🌊

Our Curator Gary, and Collections expert Joe have teamed up with the brilliant minds from Bournemouth University Maritime Archaeology, Time Team and BBC Dorset to bring history back to life ✨

Stay tuned later this week as they dive into treasures from the past and reveal what’s been hiding beneath the surface... 👀

25/11/2025

In the Swash Channel, Dorset, UK lies a 17th century shipwreck. Likely salvaged after it sank, few material remains survive. The researchers' detective work and protection efforts are now published and the book features in our , available 🆓 via the link in our comment 👇

17/11/2025

Meet the Maritime expert & explore artefacts up close! 🔍

This Wednesday 19 November, pop into our Discover Space between 10:30 - 12:30 for a rare chance to chat with Maritime Archaeology expert Tom Cousins!

Tom isn’t just bringing stories - he’s bringing real artefacts from beneath Poole Bay for you to see up close, and he’s here to spill the secrets and answer anything you’ve ever wondered about local shipwrecks ⚓

Curious about the dive? The gear they used? Or the secrets of life centuries ago? Ask away!

It’s hands-on history with someone who knows it best. No booking needed - just drop in and discover something amazing!