Every now and again a low tide, or the shifting sands, or a bit of both uncover a “mystery”, and this wreck is a mystery as, though it may have appeared in the 60s and 80s very briefly, it was only properly recorded in 2016 – and only officially listed as a “scheduled monument” in July 2018.
And the photos below were taken by local resident David Angell who also tracked down the listing on Historic England’s website.
Investigations to date suggest it is a substantial oak built sailing vessel, possibly a brig, which was a two masted square rigged ship, nearly 50 metres long by nearly 10 metres wide.
The unusual thickness of the timbers (believed to be oak and larch) and re-enforced elements in the hull suggest it may have operated in the icy waters off the east coast of North America and might be a vessel called the Avon, built in Novia Scotia, and might have been engaged in the timber trade.
Records exist of a vessel of that name carrying timber to France which ran into trouble off Dungeness.
However the wreck is now a scheduled monument and further investigation of the remains may provide more information. When it next appears though may very much depend on the weather, the tides, and the shifting sands.
Image Credits: David Angell .