5 days ago
British ship found at Canterbury river after grounding 160 years ago
A British ship which ran aground in Canterbury 160 years ago has been unearthed at the mouth of the Ashley River on the outskirts of Christchurch.
The trading ship, called the Thames, was built in 1826 and met its end while delivering telegraph poles to north Canterbury in 1865.
The discovery of the ship began in 2023 when the remains were flagged by a Canterbury Regional Council park ranger and then as a coastal hazard by a Harbourmaster team.
Canterbury Heritage Consultants was brought in to identify the ship, with principal archaeologist Nick Cable saying the style of timber and chopping sheathing were key clues.
"Samples confirmed the timber was English oak and elm — classic British shipbuilding materials — so that really sealed the deal for us in confirming the wreck to be the Thames."
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An artist's impression of the Thames. (Source: Supplied)
The ship was mostly salvaged after it ran aground, with timber being used for homes and its bell serving as a fire bell, but the remaining timbers were swallowed by sand for more than a century.
Canterbury Regional Council deputy chairperson Deon Swiggs said the discovery offered a "rare and compelling glimpse" into the area's maritime past.
"Conservation efforts are now underway to stabilise the exposed section, with plans to eventually display it publicly."
