After further successful Ground Penetrating Radar measurements in March 2017 (building on those we undertook in 2007), plans are now well advanced to uncover next year the ancient clinker (overlapping planks) vessel under the pub car park at the Railway Inn, Meols, and
get the vessel assessed
take samples of wood and get them dated (carbon 14 and dendrochronology)
after 1-2 weeks cover the vessel over again with the blue clay (the safest and most preserving environment for it)
The plans are also, during the 1-2 weeks of its exposure, to give the public - including local schools - the chance to see it
The dating should give us an idea of what it is: a great number of people on Wirral would like to know! Its current position buried 2-3 meters below the surface in the blue clay would suggest it is very ancient.
Will keep everyone posted!
Steve
www.nottingham.ac.uk/-sczsteve
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Steve Harding
NCMH Laboratory
University of Nottingham
LE12 5RD
http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/-sczsteve
