Divers Uncover Clues to Lost Medieval Town Submerged Off British Coast
Flint structures and stone caissons believed to be part of Shipden, a settlement that vanished in the 14th century, have been photographed and mapped.
Divers have documented approximately 25 man-made features, including flint structures and stone caissons, at the site of Shipden, a medieval settlement that was gradually submerged by the North Sea during the 14th century. The remains were discovered several hundred meters off the coast of Cromer, Norfolk.
During favorable conditions of clear skies and calm waters, a team from the Anglian branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club explored the seabed. With the assistance of local historian James Mindham, they located and photographed the submerged features. Some of these flint structures remain standing several courses high after centuries underwater. Preliminary 3D models of the discoveries have been created using specialist photography, marking what is believed to be the first images ever captured of these features.
Researchers are investigating the purpose of the stone caissons, which are chambers used for underwater construction. Theories suggest they may have been part of a 14th-century effort to construct sea defenses or were connected to a pier authorized in 1390. However, the Alfred Savin project, which focuses on the history of the local area, emphasizes that these remain speculative.
Shipden was once a significant settlement, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as having 117 residents, harbor facilities, and two churches. Its name began to fade from records in the 13th and 14th centuries, eventually being replaced by Cromer. Coastal erosion, exacerbated by severe North Sea storms such as the one in January 1362, led to the town's disappearance.
The loss of Shipden has inspired local folklore for generations, most notably the tale of St. Peter's Church tower surviving beneath the waves as "Church Rock." While historical documents confirm a church was lost, the recent diving expedition found no identifiable remains of the building. Current research suggests that Church Rock may not have been the church itself, with St. Peter's potentially located further north and west.
Peter Stibbons, chairman of the Friends of Cromer Museum and director of the project, noted that challenging the long-held legend of Church Rock is a significant development. The team is currently cross-referencing medieval documents with the physical findings to improve the understanding of Shipden's layout and history.
Further complicating the site's history, a pleasure vessel named Victoria ran aground on a submerged rocks near Church Rock in August 1888. Although passengers were rescued, the wreck and the obstruction were later destroyed with explosives to prevent further danger to shipping. This demolition may have removed archaeological evidence, as divers have found scattered flint that could originate from the destroyed structure. Lead diver Nick Schiller initially focused on potential remains from the Victoria but found the exploration of Shipden to be a valuable bonus.
The summer's work has significantly broadened the scope of the investigation into Shipden, raising more questions than providing definitive answers. The diving season has concluded, but the team plans to return next year. The findings and 3D reconstructions will be made available online and displayed at Cromer Museum as part of the Alfred Savin project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.