Blown out on a wet weekend in Plymouth , Kirsty Andrews signs up for a course in archaeology of the foreshore
KIRSTYANDREWS
Here be treasure
Blown out on a wet weekend in Plymouth , Kirsty Andrews signs up for a course in archaeology of the foreshore
A
wet , windy weekend . We ’ ve had far too many of those to count this year . One day this Spring , I looked aghast at the weather forecast , gnashed my teeth and messaged my buddy to cancel our tentative plans for the next few days . Given that our plan A was a total washout , though , did he fancy an alternative option for our Saturday ’ s fun - I ’ d seen an advert online , I said .
So it was that we booked to attend a day ’ s course at Mountbatten enticingly entitled ‘ Introduction to Foreshore Archaeology in Plymouth Sound ’, run by the SHIPS project , a community interest company whose purpose is to research and explore maritime historical sites and events . Some dry classroom stuff followed by a decidedly damp afternoon patrolling the aforementioned foreshore in search of excitement .
I ’ ve remarked before on what a broad church diving is , offering something for everyone . Marine archaeology is a branch I ’ d not previously explored , and I thought that this was a great opportunity to expand my horizons . To my surprise , we two were the only divers in the group of 20 or so . Our classmates were a mixed bunch ; we comprised water lovers of various ilks , some already amateur archaeology sleuths , but mostly beginners . Some were interested local residents ; some were families on an educational day out . It felt great to bring a broad range of skills and experience together and learn something new .
During the classroom sessions we learned just a taster of the incredible maritime history of the Plymouth area , which I already was aware was enough to fill more than a morning . Peter and Mallory , the brains behind the SHIPS project , are incredibly knowledgeable and experienced , with some great tales to tell . What actually is the foreshore and how best would we explore it ? I know you know it ’ s the area
between high-water and low-water marks , don ’ t worry . We were also instructed on how to process and record our finds precisely so that they could be catalogued and contribute to wider understanding . We were then let loose to see what we could find for ourselves , just right outside the Mountbatten Centre , which it so happens is a productive spot .
Did we find treasure ? Why yes , we did ( of sorts ). From glass bottles to ceramics to metal pins from warships to old ammunition cases , it was quite a hoard , and kept us peering with interest at the shore , even in
Kirsty goes a-foraging by the shore ; inset : some of the day ’ s finds
blustery weather . Our prize of the day was an old clay pipe in fairly decent condition . These are actually pretty common , being single-use throw-away ‘ vape ’ equivalents ; there are plenty to be found if you know where to look .
The next time I get the opportunity to dive a site known for picking up old bits and pieces of historical interest , I shan ’ t turn my nose up . I ’ ll still be on the lookout for my favourite marine species , don ’ t get me wrong , but if an old piece of pottery pops up , I ’ ll be interested in investigating its history , perhaps with the aid of my new friends at the SHIPS project . It was a great use of a wet weekend and something I ’ d recommend to all my diver friends . �
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