In October, towards the end of a 14-month major archaeological programme connected with road and sewer construction in the middle of Dover and financed by English Heritage, the Canterbury Archaeological Trust discovered the remains of a prehistoric boat. It was described by experts from English Heritage and the National Maritime Museum as one of the best-preserved prehistoric craft in Britain, of great international importance. The timbers were found in waterlogged conditions at a depth of about 7 m. and about one-third of the approximately 15 m. long craft was initially lifted. Further extensions of time available for archaeological work enabled much of the rest of the boat, including either prow or the stern, to be rescued for conservation and eventual display in Dover Museum. Alterations in the water level resulting from the road and sewer works will mean that timbers left for future archaeologists will deteriorate.
The boat is thought to date from about 3000 bp and radio carbon dating is awaited with interest. There are technological similarities with the Bronze Age boat discovered at North Ferriby on the Humber in 1947. The Dover boat is about 2.30 m broad, with its bottom formed by two flat strakes apparently butt-jointed on the keel line; the lowest side strakes are rounded L-shape in section, set in a small rebate on the bottom strakes and stitched with possibly yew withies. Preliminary studies suggest the timber is green oak. It was probably paddled and may have been strong enough to cross the Channel. Examination of the environment in which the timbers lay suggests that the boat was abandoned in a backwater of the River Dour.
The find attracted considerable media interest and the Trust is grateful for the cooperation and assistance of the Dept. of Transport, Mott MacDonald, Nor West Holt, Dover Harbour Board, Dover District Council and Dover Museum.
Lawrence Lyle,
Hon. Secretary, C.A.T.
