The Resurgam submarine circa 1880 |
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Using diversity of geographical location , era , site type , water environment and ‘ sites of difference ’ ( as I term them ) as the guiding aims , a plan was formed to visit and learn about the very best of British underwater archaeology .
Post-pandemic , the tour really took off ; I have travelled far and wide , taking in an eclectic mix of historical sites . Among other highlights , I ’ ve seen a German Bf110 Messerschmitt which has lain on the seabed for 80 years ; the remains of a 10,000-year-old oak forest off the Norfolk coast ; a submerged Mesolithic settlement ; a Victorian submarine ; a former Medieval dwelling in a Scottish loch and bronze cannons where the date of manufacture can still be clearly read .
Most of the sites are the subject of significant study or excavation by organisations , clubs or individuals . Project reports , academic papers , books and television programme features have allowed me to immerse myself in detail pertaining to each site . There is no actual end point to the tour . As long as I can afford fuel , accommodation , repairs , and can convince my wife that driving hundreds of miles only to get ‘ blown out ’ is a good idea , I will happily march on .
An ethical approach , and safe and responsible conduct are part and parcel of the project . The
“ The real treasure lies in the stories ” vast majority of my dives are carried out in the company of archaeologists , licensees or site guardians , on the basis of ‘ look but don ’ t touch ’. Above
all , I want to encourage the responsible , lawful exploration of fragile historical sites .
Underwater archaeology presents many opportunities . Aside from the pleasure of diving , you can be an explorer , a traveller , a reporter and a detective in search of answers . It offers adventure , exclusivity , challenge , unique subject matter for photography , and the bonus of encountering marine wildlife .
The real treasure lies in the stories . From the mundane to the downright quirky , there is a rich tapestry of tales waiting to be told . As I delve deeper into documents , libraries and archives , real people and real stories start to come to life . Not just the people who sailed in these vessels , but the dogged work of the archaeologists and teams whose own stories add to the mythos of these places .
Here , then , is a rundown of five of the most remarkable sites I have visited on my tour . I have many favourites , but I ’ ve tried to demonstrate a diverse selection .
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PHOTO : DUNCAN ROSS
PHOTO : JUSTIN OWEN
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A full-size replica of the Resurgam submarine at Woodside Ferry Terminal , Birkenhead .
Resurgam submarine , Liverpool Bay , Rhyl , Wales
Surely no archaeological site is more unique than the Victorian-era submarine Resurgam , the brainchild of inventor George W . Garret . For one of , if not the first powered submarine to still be in existence , and structurally intact on the seafloor is nothing short of incredible . A diver-friendly 14-metres deep , the sub is easily accessible by most levels of diver . It ’ s also just 14-metres from bow to stern , making the classic structure easy to navigate .
The site is protected by law and to enter the area within 300 metres is illegal unless permission has been obtained from the licensee and the Welsh historical organisation , Cadw . Gaining permission is not a complicated process ,
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PHOTO : JUSTIN OWEN
but vital for the protection of this singular piece of heritage . Marine life around the wreck – including congers , butterfish , lobsters and crabs – is abundant . All the wrecks of Liverpool Bay are covered in a coating of beautiful spongy anemones .
The Resurgam today off the north Wales coastal town of Rhyl
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