During excavation works to replace the sewer system in Dutch municipality Wijk bij Duurstede, a remarkable archaeological find has been made. A worked wooden beam protruding from the ground caught the attention of an amateur archaeologist, which may be a ship’s frame.
Although the works were too small in scale to warrant a formal archaeological investigation, the alert response ensured that the relevant authorities were immediately contacted.
Volunteer Danny van Basten (ArcheoTeam Wijk bij Duurstede) recognised the potential importance of the find, after which specialists, including Stichting Beheer Vikingschip and Museum Dorestad, were called in. Shipbuilder and expert Kees Sterrenburg indicated, based on the shape, notches and workmanship of the wood, that it could be a ship’s frame.
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Viking ship or cog
Based on its position and pottery fragments found nearby, the remains may date from the Carolingian period (c. 700–800 AD).
At the same time, investigations are ongoing to determine whether it could be a so-called cog vessel (koggeschip in Dutch), which would suggest a later dating around 1300 AD. Further research will be required to confirm this.
Municipal archaeologist Anne de Hoop is coordinating the follow-up research and describes the discovery as unique: ‘The beam will be carefully cleaned. The growth rings will then be analysed to determine its age more precisely. The beam is approximately 3.2 metres long and 30 centimetres thick; it may originally have been even larger.’
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Striking find raises questions
The location of the find is notable and raises questions. It may concern a former channel into which remains of a wrecked vessel were washed. The discovery is classified as a so-called chance find. To prevent damage from drying out, the beam was immediately wrapped and removed. Museum Dorestad has expressed the wish to display the object in the future.
Such a discovery has not previously been made in Wijk bij Duurstede, and similar ship remains are also rare at a national level. Archaeologists hope that further research will provide more insights. Investigating the origin of the find may take several months.
Picture: Amateur archaeologist Danny van Basten next to the wooden beam, possibly a ship’s frame (photo by Municipality of Wijk bij Duurstede).
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