The Dover Bronze Age Boat

Introduction

A Major International Archaeological Discovery

In September 1992, archaeologists from the Canterbury Archaeological Trust working alongside contractors on a new road link between Dover and Folkestone discovered the remains of a large wooden prehistoric boat thought to be some 3,000 years old, belonging to a period known to archaeologists as the Bronze Age.

It was a find of both national and international significance which will shed new light on early seafaring and woodworking skills in Northern Europe.

BOAT FACTS

• How Old Is It?

  The Dover Boat is of Bronze Age date, a period when metal was first used in Britain. The boat is around 3,550 years old (from radiocarbon dating some of the boat timber). Bronze Age sites are rare, but include one of the world's most spectacular monuments - Stonehenge.

• How Big Is It?

  A total of 9.5 metres of the boat has been recovered. This represents at least half, but possibly as much as two thirds of the original. It is 2.4 metres wide. Upper planks and part of the end were removed, perhaps for re-use, in the Bronze Age, when the boat was abandoned.

• What Was It Used For?

  A boat of this size would have been capable of crossing the channel, carrying a substantial cargo of supplies, livestock and passengers. It was probably propelled by at least 18 paddlers.

• How Was It Made?

  The boat was made up of at least six oak timbers lashed together with yew wood, with all the joints reinforced with a thin lath of oak, covering moss pushed into the joint. The two central planks are joined by the use of wedges pushed through a central rail and a series of cleats.

• How Important Is It?

  The Dover Bronze Age boat is one of the most important prehistoric discoveries to be made in this century. Similar boats and parts of boats found at North Ferriby, in East Yorkshire, before and after the war, have not been well preserved. The discovery of the boat in Dover strongly suggests early cross channel trade. The quality of the workmanship suggests a high degree of skill, specialisation and organisation. Much research work remains to be done but the boat is certainly of international significance.

The Dover Bronze Age Boat text on this website was compiled by Christine Waterman, from articles and papers by Keith Parfitt, Martin Bates, Valerie Fenwick, Colin Slack, Mike Corfield, Jacqui Watson, Barry Corke, Mike Halliwell and Peter Clark. Photographs by Andrew Savage of Canterbury Archaeological Trust and Eddie Clapson.