SEPT 6, 1962: British archaeologist Peter Marsden discovers the first of the 4 Blackfriars Ships. The wrecks were flat-bottomed barge-like craft measuring 45-55ft long and whose unique framework consisted of thick planks secured by large iron nails, and laid edge-to-edge (carvel) for a smooth-surfaced hull that was mostly preferred in the Mediterraean. They were found during the bulding of an embankment wall along the Thames River between Blackfriars Bridge and Blackfriars Railway Bridge with the first ship dating back to the 2nd Century AD, and becoming the earliest known indigenous Celtic Briton (Brythonic) seafaring vessel to be found in northern Europe which existed during a period of Roman-era construction & expansion. It sank after a collision and among its recovered cargo was Kentish building stones, a bronze coin, 2 broken pieces of pottery, a wooden mallet and a piece of leather. The 2nd ship's excavation took place in Jun 1969 and is believed to have been sunk around 1670. It was carrying materials such as red bricks, pipes, and potttery all believed to be meant for rebuilding in London after the deadly Great Fire of Sept 1666 had ravaged the city and left over 100,000 people homeless. The 3rd & 4th ship excavations occured in 1970. Their sinkings also the result of collisions were both traced back to the medieval 15th Century and while there was no cargo on board either, around the site on the muddy sea bed was found 2 lead weights, 2 decorative insignia badges, an iron grappling hook, and a bronze arm from a pair of shears. [The 4th ship's hull had its planks laid overlapping (clinker) which was mostly the preference in Northern Europe]. The Blackfriar findings gave valuable insights into ancient shipbuilding traditions, the assembly of design, the usage of ports for maritime trade, transportation (the later transfer of convicts either elsewhere in England or to Australia), and military/naval roles.
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