A selection of archaeological finds from Hartlepool and the surrounding area.
The remains of a wooden shipwreck lying on the beach in front of the Coastwatch Station at Middleton. The wreck has been recorded by Tees Archaeology and the Nautical Archaeology Society North-East; other images will be added in due course.
More detail »This is part of the bow section of a wooden shipwreck found close to the Hartlepool Lifeboat Station in 2006, with the ends of some of the hull planks still in place.
More detail »Recovering this section of the bow of a wooden shipwreck was not easy and it took four members of Tees Archaeology (the three in the image plus the photographer!), to carefully maneouvre the extremely heavy, waterlogged timber into a waiting van.
More detail »This image of the Seaton Carew Designated Historic Wreck was taken in March 2004 in the middle of a fierce sandstorm.
More detail »Following house clearance onthe south side of Olive Street , a dig revealed 4 medieval kilns which had possibly been used for making lime. in the background, Henry Smith School can be seen.
The bowling green behind the wall is still there.
More detail »This excellent image, looking towards Seaton Carew, shows the stern of the Designated Historic Wreck, with the 1930s Clock Tower in the distance to the right.
More detail »In 1999, a section of hull from a wooden shipwreck was reported washed up on Middleton beach, close to the Banjo Pier. Maritime archaeologists from Tees Archaeology visited the site to photograph and record the remains. Although it was not possible to positively identify the wreck, it is likely to be that of the wooden trawler Margaret (HL 92), which suffered an engine explosion in 1960 and was abandoned as a total loss. Local information suggests the vessel was set on fire one Bonfire Night and the wreckage at the Banjo Pier showed clear evidence of burning.
More detail »The remains of an unidentified old wooden shipwreck partially exposed on the beach at Seaton Carew in March 2013.
More detail »A close-up of the remains of an unidentified old wooden shipwreck partially exposed on the beach at Seaton Carew in March 2013.
More detail »The remains of an unidentified old wooden shipwreck partially exposed on the beach at Seaton Carew in May 2013.
More detail »The paddle steamship Waverley on a rare visit to the town, sometime between 1968-70. The remains of a wooden shipwreck can be seen in the foreground. This area is now the site of the Lifeboat Station.
More detail »In December 2002, significant beach loss uncovered large parts of the Seaton Carew Designated Historic Wreck, which is generally almost completely buried in the sand. The importance of this wooden vessel was recognised in 1996 when it received its Historic Wreck designation.
More detail »An archaeologist from Tees Archaeology taking detailed measurements of the wreck, which was unexpectedly revealed in December 2002.
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