Archaeologists in the Netherlands are investigating what may be the remains of a medieval ship after a large wooden beam was uncovered during construction work in the town of Wijk bij Duurstede.
The discovery was made during excavation work for a sewage system replacement and the construction of a wadi. A worked wooden beam protruding from the ground caught the attention of an amateur archaeologist, prompting immediate contact with local authorities. Although the project itself was too small to require a formal archaeological dig, the quick response ensured that the find could be properly examined.
Danny van Basten with the discovery – Photo courtesy Municipality of Wijk bij Duurstede
Volunteer archaeologist Danny van Basten of ArcheoTeam Wijk bij Duurstedewas among the first to recognise the potential importance of the object. Specialists were soon brought in, including experts from the Viking Ship Management Foundation and Museum Dorestad. Shipbuilder and maritime expert Kees Sterrenburg noted that the beam’s shape, notches, and craftsmanship suggest it may have been part of a ship’s frame.
Initial assessments point to two possible dates. Based on the location and associated pottery fragments, the timber could belong to a vessel from the Carolingian period, around the 8th century. However, researchers are also considering whether it might be from a cog ship, which would place it closer to the 13th or 14th century. Further analysis will be needed to determine its exact age.
Municipal archaeologist Anne de Hoop is overseeing the investigation and described the find as highly unusual. The beam, measuring approximately 3.2 metres in length and 30 centimetres in thickness, will undergo careful cleaning before specialists analyse its tree rings. This dendrochronological testing could provide a more precise date for the wood and help clarify its origins.
The context of the discovery raises additional questions. Archaeologists believe the beam may have come from a ship that ended up in a former channel, possibly after sinking or being carried ashore. The find has been classified as an accidental discovery, and steps were taken immediately to preserve the wood by wrapping it to prevent drying out.
Mayor Doornenbal and Alderman Lubbinge at the discovery – Photo courtesy Municipality of Wijk bij Duurstede
Such ship remains are rarely found in the Netherlands, and this is the first discovery of its kind in Wijk bij Duurstede. Researchers hope that continued study will shed more light on the vessel and the region’s medieval maritime activity.
Museum Dorestad has already expressed interest in displaying the beam once conservation work and analysis are complete. However, archaeologists caution that it may take several months before firm conclusions can be drawn about the object’s date and significance.
Archaeologists in the Netherlands are investigating what may be the remains of a medieval ship after a large wooden beam was uncovered during construction work in the town of Wijk bij Duurstede.
The discovery was made during excavation work for a sewage system replacement and the construction of a wadi. A worked wooden beam protruding from the ground caught the attention of an amateur archaeologist, prompting immediate contact with local authorities. Although the project itself was too small to require a formal archaeological dig, the quick response ensured that the find could be properly examined.
Volunteer archaeologist Danny van Basten of ArcheoTeam Wijk bij Duurstede was among the first to recognise the potential importance of the object. Specialists were soon brought in, including experts from the Viking Ship Management Foundation and Museum Dorestad. Shipbuilder and maritime expert Kees Sterrenburg noted that the beam’s shape, notches, and craftsmanship suggest it may have been part of a ship’s frame.
Initial assessments point to two possible dates. Based on the location and associated pottery fragments, the timber could belong to a vessel from the Carolingian period, around the 8th century. However, researchers are also considering whether it might be from a cog ship, which would place it closer to the 13th or 14th century. Further analysis will be needed to determine its exact age.
Municipal archaeologist Anne de Hoop is overseeing the investigation and described the find as highly unusual. The beam, measuring approximately 3.2 metres in length and 30 centimetres in thickness, will undergo careful cleaning before specialists analyse its tree rings. This dendrochronological testing could provide a more precise date for the wood and help clarify its origins.
The context of the discovery raises additional questions. Archaeologists believe the beam may have come from a ship that ended up in a former channel, possibly after sinking or being carried ashore. The find has been classified as an accidental discovery, and steps were taken immediately to preserve the wood by wrapping it to prevent drying out.
Such ship remains are rarely found in the Netherlands, and this is the first discovery of its kind in Wijk bij Duurstede. Researchers hope that continued study will shed more light on the vessel and the region’s medieval maritime activity.
Museum Dorestad has already expressed interest in displaying the beam once conservation work and analysis are complete. However, archaeologists caution that it may take several months before firm conclusions can be drawn about the object’s date and significance.
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