Detail of Wreck Timbers of an Eighteenth Century Pollaca Brigg, colonized by Sea Grass, Westward Ho! Devon.
Detailed image looking at the timbers of a wrecked Eighteenth Century Pollaca Brigg which has been abandoned and colonised by Sea Grass on Northam Beach. Detail of the vessels construction shows the frame construction. The planking was joined to the frames by wooden nails, called trunnels These swelled as they absorbed water and this shipbuilding technique was used from prehistoric times right up to the end of the eighteenth century. At low tide between Westward Ho! and Northam there is a great expanse of sand. This beach is regularly utilised by walkers, surfers and kite boarders. Beneath this is a layer of clay and fossilised ancient woodlands. At various times, usually following winter storms, decaying ribs and the oak hulls of historic ships can be seen at low tides. The best preserved of these at the Westward Ho! end is the 'Sally' of Bristol which was wrecked here on 17th September 1769. This picture shows the well preserved timbers with barnacle and mussel colonisation looking from prow to stern. Several other ship remains are also uncovered at various intervals. One is in reasonable condition with the port side having collapsed and at least evidence of two other vessels towards the Northam end. There are varying theories as to these wrecks. In addition to the 'Sally' the 'Salisbury' was also lost on Northam Burrows in 1750. A further plausible idea is that the other remains are of Pollaca Briggs. These were the most commonly used sailing boats, carrying coal, limestone and other goods around the North Devon coast and across the Bristol Channel. They were driven ashore at high water and allowed to settle into a scour pit just below the Pebble Ridge. Perhaps the wrecks are of vessels stranded or abandoned when their useful lives were over.
Size: 5184px × 3456px
Location: Westward Ho! Devon, England.
Photo credit: © John Insull / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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