Basque Oak and Portuguese Wine: A Medieval Merchant Ship Reveals Her Secrets
- Wednesday 11 February 2026
- 19:00 - 20:00
- Audience: Open to the public, staff and students
- Booking: This event is free
Dr Toby Jones, Curator of the Newport Medieval Ship Project, will reveal the latest findings of this mid-15th century merchant vessel.
Speaker
Dr Toby Jones
Curator of the Newport Medieval Ship Project
For February’s talk, we’re excited to welcome Dr Toby Jones to speak on the theme: Basque Oak and Portuguese Wine: A Medieval Merchant Ship Reveals Her Secrets
Dr Toby Jones, Curator of the Newport Medieval Ship Project, will reveal the latest findings of this mid-15th century merchant vessel. Discovered and raised in 2002-3, the well-preserved hull remains and numerous artefacts indicate that the ship was likely built in the Basque Country as a wine-trading vessel for Portuguese owners. Examination of the ship timbers has led to a greater understanding of Atlantic-Iberian ship design and ship building in the late medieval period. The recovery of such a unique find of unparalleled craftsmanship offers insights into technological innovation at the very beginning of the Age of Exploration while the hundreds of artefacts reveal the complexity of Anglo-Welsh /Iberian trading links and illuminate life on board the ship.