Updated: 21 June, 2005
© RESCUE

Newport's Medieval Ship Saved

Campaigners victory averts City Council planning and PR disaster

During excavation of the site of the orchestra pit for a proposed new Arts Centre at Newport, South East Wales, the substantial remains of a remarkably well-preserved 15th century ship were uncovered. Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT) who had been conducting the watching brief, were contracted to record as much of the vessel as possible, before Tuesday the 27^th August. In the time available less than 3% of the material could have been retained before the ship was destroyed, to allow the construction programme to continue. An international campaign was mounted, resulting in the announcement, on Friday 23^rd August that the vessel would be recovered, preserved and permanently displayed in Newport.

Campaign Timetable

May 2002: work begins on Newport's new theatre and arts center.

Thursday 11^th July: GGAT excavation and discovery of ship announced in local press.

Thursday 1^st August: Local Press announce open evenings on 7^th and 14^th August.

Wednesday 7^th August: First open evening. Council announce plans to recover a small portion of the ship and rebury the remains on mud. The boat is scheduled for destruction on 27^th August.

Monday 12^th August: SOS - Save Our Ship campaign launched, informally calling the ship The Isca. The TV and press have a field-day, and the campaign receives a tremendous amount of coverage.

Wednesday 14^th August: Second open evening, round the clock queues, extensive TV coverage, and open meeting attended by 250 people, MPs, AMs, but no council representatives attend either to observe or to support preservation of the ship.

Thursday 15^th August: The boat will still be destroyed on 27^thth August. Campaign Group meets to decide strategy.

Friday 16^th August: Round the Clock Vigil commences at 6.00am, supported by traffic sounding horns.

Saturday 17^th August: Round the Clock Vigil continues. Guardian takes photos. Kevnian, Newport's own Bard of the Buses is appointed the official Ship's Laureate. Wales Assembly pledges support, but repeat the fantasy £20M estimate for a Maritime Museum. Local press appear to believe there is no longer an issue.

Sunday 18^th August: Round the Clock Vigil continues 90% of passing traffic sounds horn. SOS lobby at UK Cycling Championships in Newport collects 6,000 signatures. Archaeologists are being stopped on trains and at local stations after being recognised from TV and site. Passers by are quizzing them on the ship - amazing interest. The SOS Campaign is a phenomenon that will be studied in years to come - all walks of the community and all races have been inspired by the ship.

Monday 19^th August: Round the Clock Vigil continues. Demonstration attempts to present petition to Newport City Council. Local music venues host charity event for SOS. Welsh Assembly appears to soft pedal on financial commitment.

Tuesday 20^th August: Round the Clock Vigil continues, local band Janeiro compose protest song for Wednesday night. Campaign Group meet to decide strategy.

Wednesday 21^st August: Round the Clock Vigil continues. Over 20 yachts and small craft sail up River Usk to salute ship, extensive TV coverage. Local press articles state that despite rumours, there has been no announcement that the ship will be saved.

Thursday 22^nd August: Round the Clock Vigil continues. No public announcements yet. Campaign Group meet to decide strategy.

Friday 23^rd August: Round the Clock Vigil continues, SOS present petition to the Welsh Assembly. According to the press, a public announcement is planned for today, SOS are ready with an injunction, supported by RESCUE advice, should the decision be unacceptable. However the Welsh Assembly and Newport City Council finally announce that the ship is to be preserved in a modified Arts Centre.

The people of Newport and their local, national and international supporters have ensured the Ship will be saved. SOS will now become the Support Our Ship Group - friends of the Ship.