‘Sanday Shipwreck’ safe from ravages of time thanks to National Heritage Memorial Fund support

A centuries-old shipwreck revealed by a winter storm in Sanday in February has been safeguarded for future research after a painstaking operation supported by the National Heritage Memorial Fund.

In the wake of the discovery of the wreck - and in a true race against time - Orkney Islands Council sought help from the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF), on behalf of the Sanday community, for a huge freshwater tank to save the timbers from imminent deterioration.

NHMF - a funder of last resort for heritage at risk – responded quickly with an award of £79,658 towards urgent efforts to preserve the wreck.

The shipwreck, which captured the nation’s imagination when it emerged from the sands earlier this year due to its obvious age and remarkably good condition, is thought to be an internationally significant 17th century design - possibly of Dutch origin.

Now the wreck’s timbers – once preserved by the sands it lay hidden in for centuries – are safely installed in a custom 8 metre long tank, alongside the island’s Heritage Centre.

There, on advice from archaeologists and conservators, the timbers will remain suspended in fresh water – protecting them from deterioration for two to three years while further research is carried out into the ship’s identity and significance.

The custom-designed tank, fabricated by Aberdeen-based Waterfront Stainless Steel at their Orkney workshop, features a roll-top lid to enable access for researchers and interested visitors by appointment.

On hand throughout the two-day operation was the Council’s Culture Team Manager Nick Hewitt, who approached NHMF for their assistance:

“There was definitely a palpable sense of relief today, from everyone who’s been involved, as the last of the timbers were lowered into the tank.

“While the ship’s past remains a mystery for now, it’s entirely possible it hails from one of the naval superpowers of the time.

“Thanks to the speedy help of National Heritage Memorial Fund, researchers now have the opportunity to carry out the work needed to try and establish the ship’s history.”

Also on hand to oversee the delicate task of transferring the timbers to the tank were specialist archaeologists from Wessex Archaeology.

The team were quick to arrive on the scene in February to carry out initial sampling of the timbers in collaboration with archaeological wood experts Dendrochronicle. They worked alongside the Council’s archaeologist Paul Sharman to advise the Sanday community on early conservation and recording of the wreck.

Since then, they’ve secured funding from the North Isles Landscape Partnership Scheme to carry out archaeology training and workshops with the Sanday community - delivered alongside Sanday Heritage Group and archaeological conservator from Orkney, Wendy Robinson.

Senior Marine Archaeologist from Wessex Archaeology, Ben Saunders, said: “We're delighted to be involved in the efforts to conserve and understand this fascinating wreck, and working with the people of Sanday to do so.”

Dr Simon Thurley CBE, Chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, said: “The Sanday shipwreck is an exciting discovery, but many questions remain about where, and when, it originates. We are pleased to award this funding to Orkney Islands Council to protect and preserve the shipwreck, ensuring its survival and the chance for future research to determine its place in our maritime history.”

Clive Struver is Chair of the Sanday Development Trust: "It’s a huge sense of accomplishment for the community to see the timbers they’ve worked so hard to recover and protect for months now safely immersed where they can be protected for much, much longer. We’ve won the initial race against the clock to stem their decay – now it’s over to researchers to do what they can in the next couple of years.  We're also hoping that this eventually leads to significant enhancements to our Heritage Centre which could be a significant and attractive asset for Sanday in the future."

More about the National Heritage Memorial Fund

The National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) was set up in 1980 to save the most outstanding parts of our national heritage, in memory of those who have given their lives for the UK.  NHMF receives annual grant-in-aid of £5million from the UK government to help save some of our most-loved treasures such as paintings, natural heritage, maritime and industrial vessels, and historic houses, from being lost forever. Any funds remaining from NHMF’s annual allocation at the end of the financial year remain available to NHMF to award grants to exceptional heritage treasures such as the Portrait of Mai (Omai), The Artist Rooms, Titian’s Diana and Acteon, the Honresfield Library, Tyntesfield Estate and Wentworth Woodhouse. Find out more at www.nhmf.org.uk 

For more information, email the Council's Communications team on communications@orkney.gov.uk