Historic England wins protection for Isle of Wight shipwrecks

The two sites, off The Needles, have been listed under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 - the highest level available.

It means future divers will need a special licence, via Historic England, on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, to explore them.

In addition, their artefacts are protected and their condition will be carefully monitored.

Lead ingots, used for trade, were among the artefacts discovered. Photo: Martin Pritchard.

What do we know about the protected Isle of Wight shipwrecks?

Found on the navigational hazard called Shingles Bank, the two vessels, labelled NW96 and NW68, were believed to have run aground before they sank.

At one of the wrecks, guns (cannons on board a ship), a large anchor, stone cannonballs and at least 50 large lead ingots (used as currency), with unidentified markings, were found.

One of guns was cast in Amsterdam, between 1621 and 1661, Historic England revealed.

NW68 is thought to be associated with the 1653 Battle of Portland, involving the Commonwealth of England and the Dutch Republic, during the First Anglo-Dutch War.

The other site is thought to be the remains of a 17th century armed merchant ship.

Their discovery has revealed more about trading at the time.

By Martin Pritchard.

Martin Pritchard co-finder of the Shingles Bank wrecks said: "They are a remarkable find. Working with Historic England, volunteer divers and archaeologists, we will continue to investigate, understand and record these wreck sites."

Also winning protection is the 13th century Mortar Wreck, which sank off Dorset, in Poole Bay, with a cargo of gothic Purbeck stone gravestones.

Historic England said: "The survival of pre-1700 ships is extremely rare, as is the unearthing of previously unrecorded wreck sites in the Solent, making these discoveries nationally significant."

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, on the advice of Historic England, granted protection for the three sites, which means there are now 57 in English waters. 

High resolution models will be developed to form online interactives to enable us all to virtually dive the sites.

Meanwhile, the finds are being investigated by archaeologists from the Maritime Archaeology Trust and Wessex Archaeology, along with the finders Martin Pritchard and Dave Fox.

By Martin Pritchard.

Heritage Minister Nigel Huddleston said: "These fascinating shipwrecks can reveal so much to us about our national history and it is right that we protect them for future generations." 

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said: "These three shipwrecks are very important discoveries and deserve the highest level of protection."

Julie Satchell, Head of Research, Maritime Archaeology Trust said: "It has been a pleasure to support Martin and Dave through the process of putting the sites forward for protection and we are thrilled to be part of the team that is working together to map and visualise these incredibly exciting Solent shipwrecks."

Graham Scott, Senior Maritime Technical Specialist and Subsea Superintendent, Wessex Archaeology said: "Congratulations to Martin and Dave - if it wasn't for them these important sites would probably still be undiscovered."