Underwater archaeology for teenagers?

Youngsters from Bexleyheath took part in an underwater archaeology class where they were able to learn techniques for investigating underwater treasures. The young archaeology students were able to learn how to handle valuable finds using an example of artefacts from a wreck dating back to the early 19th century.

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Ten teenagers associated with Diversions Scuba have examined items recovered from the wreck of the Earl of Abergavenny sailing ship. The vessel sank during a storm near Dorset in 1805.

The sailing ship was launched only 8 years earlier, in 1797. Its captain was the brother of the famous poet William Wordsworth – John, who died during the aforementioned storm along with 271 crew members.

The young archaeology students gathered at Crook Log Leisure Centre were able to study such items as musket balls, nails, buttons, pottery fragments, cannon flints, coins and musket remains.

It was also an opportunity to become acquainted with a model of the wreck, containing cannons, bones and various objects, placed on a plan of the wreck drawn on a scale of 1:1. Finally, the young archaeologists could test their acquired knowledge and skills underwater, in a pool at a specially prepared stand.

Let us hope that similar initiatives will also appear in Poland. As well as being great fun, it is an excellent opportunity to instil the right attitudes for dealing with what the waters of our seas and lakes hold.

Source: newsshopper.co.uk