Just across the bridge from Newport Castle lies the Riverfront Theatre, but hundreds of years before a large wooden ship anchored against the quay on that very spot. When builders started digging the foundations of the theatre they found the ship, buried in the mud, already holed by previous building work. After much protest from the public, Newport Council agreed to keep the remains of the ship and preserve it.
Ever since, it has remained at a warehouse in Maesglas Industrial Estate. Large tanks preserve the huge wooden beams of this vessel which was sailing trade routes between the Severn estuary in South Wales and the Iberian Peninsula when Christopher Columbus was born and may even have crossed paths with him when he came to dock in Bristol on one of his ventures.
This ship (no-one has discovered her name), is not just "another boat," she is the only example, anywhere in the world, of a 15th Century ship and the people of Newport found her. She is here for the people of Newport and the rest of the world to treasure.
Ancient artefacts such as shoes and combs have been found amidst the wreckage and are on display during open days. Visitors can handle items that are 550 years old. Friends of Newport Ship organise a few days a year when the warehouse is open to the public. Visitors can help support their cause by purchasing items or making donations.
Unfortunately, due to cutbacks within the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) and Newport City Council, there are few funds to keep or even display this vessel, so its up to the Friends of the Newport Ship to come up with ideas to raise funds and help maintain the impetus which will eventually allow people to come and view this ancient piece of our maritime history in its own custom-made museum.
South Wales needs tourism, the Newport Ship could bring in hundreds of tourists a year just to see it.
Remember, the Newport Ship belongs to everyone. If you wish to help or find out more then join the Friends of the Newport Ship at:
www.newportship.org
Tel: 01633 215707
Ever since, it has remained at a warehouse in Maesglas Industrial Estate. Large tanks preserve the huge wooden beams of this vessel which was sailing trade routes between the Severn estuary in South Wales and the Iberian Peninsula when Christopher Columbus was born and may even have crossed paths with him when he came to dock in Bristol on one of his ventures.
This ship (no-one has discovered her name), is not just "another boat," she is the only example, anywhere in the world, of a 15th Century ship and the people of Newport found her. She is here for the people of Newport and the rest of the world to treasure.
Ancient artefacts such as shoes and combs have been found amidst the wreckage and are on display during open days. Visitors can handle items that are 550 years old. Friends of Newport Ship organise a few days a year when the warehouse is open to the public. Visitors can help support their cause by purchasing items or making donations.
Unfortunately, due to cutbacks within the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) and Newport City Council, there are few funds to keep or even display this vessel, so its up to the Friends of the Newport Ship to come up with ideas to raise funds and help maintain the impetus which will eventually allow people to come and view this ancient piece of our maritime history in its own custom-made museum.
Open Days
Saturday 26th April 2014
Saturday 24th May 2014
Saturday 12 July 2014
South Wales needs tourism, the Newport Ship could bring in hundreds of tourists a year just to see it.
Remember, the Newport Ship belongs to everyone. If you wish to help or find out more then join the Friends of the Newport Ship at:
www.newportship.org
Tel: 01633 215707
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