The Council for British Archaeology and CBA Wales/Cymru, the archaeology umbrella bodies for Britain and Wales have leant their weight to the local campaign to save a medieval ship recently discovered in Newport, South Wales.

The well-preserved ship was revealed during piling and excavation works for the construction of the orchestra pit within the development of a new Theatre and Arts Centre in the City. The timbers were uncovered in the middle of June. Although originally thought to be the remnants of earlier river-side wharfs further excavation has uncovered the well-preserved hull of a medieval ship. But time is running out.

There are less than two weeks to go before the excavation is closed-down, and the local authority has indicated that between only 5 - 10 % of the ship's remains are to be salvaged.

"During April 2003 Oxford Archaeology and Mary Rose Archaeological Services recorded, excavated and lifted timbers of the bow section of the 15th century Newport Ship on behalf of Newport City Council. The main hull of the ship had been excavated by Gwent Glamorgan Archaeological Trust during the previous year. The bow section timbers are now in storage at the Corus Steel Works along with those recovered from the main hull excavation. Due to huge public interest in the Ship a summary report on the excavation can be viewed here."

The Friends of the Newport ship are pleased to announce the launch of its new website, dedicated to the promotion of the Newport Mediaeval Ship the site includes masses of information about the history of the ship, its discovery on the banks of the River Usk in central Newport, the excavation and the recovery of hundreds of 15th century artifacts from within the ship.