BU Research Blog

BU Maritime Archaeology is pleased to announce that we have been successful in the latest round for the Fusion Investment Fund.  The upcoming project will involve publicising findings made by the BU team on the maritime archaeology of Poole Bay while investigating never before publicised sites.  The project also carries particular significance for BU as this year marks the 10th anniversary of maritime archaeology at BU making this a special time and a unique opportunity to showcase the work that has occurred over this decade.

Poole’s maritime archaeology spans most of man’s seafaring past and is a recognised international resource. It includes examples of palaeoenvironmental deposits, Bronze Age sites, Iron Age port facilities and logboats, medieval quays, 16^th and 17^th century shipwrecks, 19^th century hulks, WWI aircraft carriers, WWII aircraft and amphibious tanks. Many of these have been investigate by BU’s Maritime Archaeology students and staff as part of teaching and research projects for over a decade since maritime archaeology was first taught at BU in 2004. This has included one of the largest shipwreck excavations undertaken in the UK, the first archaeological investigation in the UK of amphibious armoured vehicles and the investigation of one of the largest collections of abandoned watercraft in the UK. This work has involved teaching and research facilitating co-production with students working alongside staff, in many cases being involved i both the conception and publication of this work.

In addition to archaeologists with an interest in our seafaring past we require a dedicated media team to document, record and publicise  the work in innovative ways –  creative juices will flow as the assembled team ventures in to the unknown armed with their energy, enthusiasm and limitless imagination to unearth the maritime mysteries held by the Bay since time immemorial.

This will involve up to 10 days diving as well as land based exploration in the summer so you don’t have to be a diver to be involved! By land, sea and air we will begin our investigations in to the mysteries of Poole Bay.

To express interest simply email Tom (tcousins@bournemouth.ac.uk) – we will be distributing application forms in the new year.

Dave Parham, Karl Rawstrone, Tom Cousins & Irini Malliaros