Historic timbers revealed at Studland Bay following winter storms
- Published:
- 09 February 2026
- Last updated:
- 09 February 2026
A section of historic shipwreck has been revealed at Studland Bay following winter storms. Maritime archaeologists from Bournemouth University believe they are part of the Swash Channel wreck, a 17th century merchant ship.
Historic timbers found
The exposed timbers, surveyed by maritime archaeologists from Bournemouth University who, after preliminary examination, believe they date from the 17th century and are very likely to be a section of the Swash Channel wreck.
The Swash Channel wreck was first discovered in the 1990’s in the Swash Channel, a key shipping approach to Poole Harbour in Dorset. Analysis and historical records indicate the wreck is Dutch or German in origin and most likely the Fame from Hoorn, a Dutch merchant ship which ran aground and sank in 1631.
The exposed section of ship measures approximately 6m long and 2m wide and consists of at least fifteen frames connected with wooden treenails to five outer hull planks. The frames appear eroded, but the hull planks are in excellent condition. There would originally have been another layer of planking on the inside of the vessel, but this appears to have been lost. This suggests the remains have been buried in sand since the 1630’s and intermittently exposed over the centuries explaining why the inner planks are missing and frames eroded, while the outer hull planks survive in such good condition.
Tom Cousins, Maritime Archaeologist at Bournemouth University said “It’s really exciting to find this piece of historical ship. During our excavation of the Swash Channel wreck in 2013, there were pieces of the ship missing and we do believe a section of the hull has now been revealed at Studland”
Tracey Churcher, General Manager for the National Trust in Purbeck said “I’m always astounded by the history we find at Studland but this has been a real treasure. The wooden tree nails are still in place and holding after four hundred years – what a testament to the craftmanship at the time”
Excavation
Using colourful children’s beach spades to avoid damaging the structure, a thirty‑strong crew of volunteers from Bournemouth University and a National Trust‑organised local school group carefully exposed, logged, and tagged the timbers before dismantling the sections on 19 February 2026.
Tom Cousins, Maritime Archaeologist at Bournemouth University, said:
"Excavating the historic timbers at Studland was a great opportunity for students from Bournemouth University and local schools to gain valuable hands-on experience. Their enthusiasm proved essential when some joints from the 400‑year‑old oak structure initially refused to budge — a real testament to the shipbuilders’ craftsmanship. The timbers are now off-site and carefully wrapped to prevent drying before preservation begins."
Each section was wrapped to prevent it from drying out and removed from the beach by vehicles. The timbers will now be transferred to Bournemouth University’s Maritime Archaeology preservation facility, where they will be soaked in fresh water before undergoing preservation treatment ahead of reassembly for their final home.
Protected wreck
Final confirmation will come from dendrochronology testing, which will identify when and where the timbers used to build the ship were grown and whether they match those previously analysed from the Swash Channel wreck. .
Hefin Meara, Maritime Archaeologist from Historic England said “The Swash Channel wreck is one of only 57 shipwrecks around the coast of England designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. Firmly dated remains of vessels predating 1700 are exceptionally rare. We can't say for certain that these fragments come from that wreck site, but it's an intriguing possibility.”
It is hoped the timbers revealed at Studland will join the collection currently displayed at Poole Museum.
History
The Fame of Hoorn was estimated to be around forty metres long, ten metres wide and fifteen metres high. It would have been capable of carrying more than forty guns to defend itself against pirates during voyages to the Caribbean to bring back salt.
The ship was reported to have dragged its anchor, grounding on a nearby notorious sandbank where it broke its back. Records state that all 45-crew abandoned ship safely, but local residents quickly set to work looting the wreck.
Rare decorative wooden carvings found during excavations indicate the ship must have been of high status and include an intricately carved head of a man. Such carvings were a long-standing tradition on Dutch ships and it is thought to be a Roman or Dutch soldier of the time. In 2013, after almost 10 years of underwater investigations and what became the largest excavation since the Mary Rose, parts of the wreck including the carved head, 8.4m (25ft) rudder and other artefacts were brought to the surface. They are now on display in Poole Museum.
Learn more about artefacts from the Swash Channel wreck displayed at Poole Museum here.
Coastal change at Studland Bay
The discovery highlights the dynamic and constantly evolving nature of Studland’s coastline. Rising sea levels and increasing extreme weather have accelerated the pace of change, with coastal erosion in some areas and the formation of beach and dunes in others.
Sarah Coggins, Coast and Marine advisor for the National Trust said “In 1630 this section of beach would’ve been open sea. Over the past 400 years, sand has been deposited creating the dunes, wetlands and shoreline we see at Studland today.” She continues “That’s why this historic wreck is found buried in sand rather than lying on the seabed and highlights the ever-changing nature of the coast.”
The National Trust and partners closely monitor coastal changes at Studland, adapting as needed in line with the Environment Agency’s shoreline management plan to allow the coastline to function naturally. This means that rather than trying to simply stop change, such as coastal erosion, the National Trust plan for change, protecting wildlife and adapting buildings and activities.
Learn how we're adapting to coastal change at Studland Bay here.