"Medieval Shipwreck Held Ancient Tombstones" Topic

…"The slabs, carved from Purbeck marble, were amongst the cargo of England's oldest historic shipwreck, which sank off the Dorset coast during the reign of Henry III in the thirteenth century," the press release explained. Henry III, who was the son of King John, took the throne in 1216 and ruled until his death in 1272…

Fox News: link

Very interesting.

I thought tombstones and other large stones were commonly used as ballast in a ship. So not surprising.

My initial thoughts too, TimePortal. But the tombstones were contemporary with the ship, which was not apparent from the headline. These were freshly carved when put onto the ship, and presumably being taken to the place where they would have been used. So actually yes, interesting.

Purbeck stone was very much sought after in the medieval period, and indeed has been ever since. Not the sort of stuff you would use as ballast!

If I had been a superstitious sailor, I'd have grumbled some over what was being used as ballast on that particular voyage.

And I'd have been right, that time, too!

TVAG