Archaeologists discover collection of ‘shipwreck’ skeletons off UK coast

Britain’s rich history is deeply embedded in its landscape, from ancient relics to historic wrecks that lie hidden beneath the surface.

Thousands of years of habitation have left a vast archaeological record stretching from prehistory to the Victorian era.

However, some of these secrets resurface not through human excavation but via natural forces, such as coastal erosion.

This was the case along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast in Wales, where the cliffs of Cwm Nash revealed a remarkable discovery: the skeletal remains of at least six individuals believed to have perished in a shipwreck centuries ago.

The bones, made visible as the cliffs eroded, were uncovered by a team from Cardiff University.

The remains date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. They likely belong to Tudor or Stuart-era sailors who died in the treacherous waters off the Welsh coast.

At the time of the 2019 discovery, Bioarchaeology expert Professor Jacqui Mulville explained: “Our latest thinking is that these are Tudor or Stuart men who may have been the victims of shipwreck. We aim to tell more of their stories and return their identities to them through ongoing post-excavation analysis.”

Unfortunately, some of the bones had already been lost to the sea before researchers could intervene. The parish of Monknash, near the discovery site, was granted a burial license in 1609. Earlier radiocarbon dating of remains found in the area confirmed they were from the late 16th or early 17th century.

To recover the newly exposed remains, a collaborative team of archaeologists from the Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT) and Cardiff University carried out meticulous excavations over eight days. Specialists from Natural Resources Wales, including geologists and ecologists, also joined the effort as the site is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

In 2022, the story of Cwm Nash deepened when a group of walkers discovered additional remains protruding from the cliff face. The coastal burial site is believed to have served not only as a resting place for local communities but also as a graveyard for victims of shipwrecks during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Despite years of exposure to the elements, many bones remain well-preserved due to the unique soil conditions.

Perched high on the cliffs, peregrine falcons now nest above these historic resting places, adding a sense of mystique to Cwm Nash, one of Wales’ hidden treasures.

Today, the discoveries along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast are poignant reminders of the region’s maritime past, highlighting the delicate balance between history and nature. Researchers continue their efforts to uncover the stories of those who lost their lives, ensuring their legacies are preserved for generations to come.