On the Importance of Shipwrecks

The On the Importance of Shipwrecks project developed a framework and methodology for evaluating the importance of the physical remains of wrecks on the seabed. The project included a literature review; consultation with curatorial staff and environmental consultants; and the development of a draft framework to trial on sub-sets of wreck records from the National Monuments Record. The framework utilises a system of evaluation based on five factors which represent all the phases of a ship’s career: covering build, use, loss, survival and investigation. Information relating to the five themes was gathered and used to create a statement of the site’s history and archaeological content. The framework was then applied to ensure that the full range of possible areas of ‘importance’ for the site were addressed. The results of the trialling process were presented at a workshop attended by those who had been involved in the consultation. Participants had the opportunity to try the framework for themselves. As a result of feedback, a new version was developed for future more extensive trailing.