My Journey in Marine Archaeology

Hello! My name is Lily, and I’ve had the incredible opportunity to dive into the world of marine archaeology through an unforgettable work experience. As someone who’s always been passionate about nature and had an incline towards history, this journey has truly been a dream come true.

I’m currently working alongside the talented and inspiring Peta Knott who works as the NAS Education Manager, a seasoned marine archaeologist whose expertise in the field has taught me more than I could have ever expected. 

One of the most exciting parts of my experience so far has been participating in two archaeological drawing courses. The first course was focused on traditional pottery and small finds drawing, a course run by Mark Hoyle, where I learned the essential skills of accurately representing historical artefacts in detail. This course was a deep dive into the meticulous world of hand-drawing, emphasizing the importance of precision, texture, and scale when capturing archaeological objects. Techniques like stippling and precise measurements are essential!

The second course was a digital illustration workshop, where we explored modern techniques to bring ancient finds to life. This class was a great opportunity to learn how technology is transforming archaeology, as digital tools allow for more detailed and accessible representations of artefacts. The transition from traditional methods to digital was fascinating, and I loved how each style has its own unique set of advantages, especially when combined.

Late Thursday evening, we hit the road and made our way east, eventually arriving at our base for the next two days: the Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory. Tucked away in a peaceful corner of the Kent coast, it was the perfect mix of calm and curiosity. I especially loved browsing the collection of taxidermy and bones on display - an unexpected bonus.

After finally getting some sleep (after lots of road work delays we arrived at 2am!), we jumped straight into preparations for Friday’s big event. Peta was hosting a workshop alongside some colleagues, all centered around the fascinating wrecks found along the nearby beach. The aim was to raise awareness and show locals how they can get involved in protecting and learning from these remarkable pieces of maritime history. I was on kettle duty - keeping the tea flowing is no small task - and helped with the setup. It was such a welcoming environment, and it felt great to contribute in a small way to something so meaningful. We wrapped up the day with a well-earned pizza dinner before turning in for an early night.

Saturday morning started bright and early - we grabbed breakfast and headed straight for Sandwich Beach. The sun was just starting to rise, and the tide was low, which made for perfect conditions. Our “walk and talk” along the beach drew a lovely crowd, and Peta gave me a metre scale bar to use both for measuring anything we found and to test the sand as we went (safety first!).

The beach itself was like an open-air museum. As we wandered, we spotted nine out of the ten shipwrecks, plus one aeroplane wreck, all partially revealed by the tide. It was surreal to stand in front of these weather-worn remains and hear Peta bring them to life with her stories and expertise. Each wreck had a personality of its own, shaped by time, and water.

One of my personal highlights? Finding a hermit crab - it was such a small but magical moment amidst all the wrecks.

Looking back, this entire week has been nothing short of incredible. From honing drawing skills, both traditional and digital, to setting foot among shipwrecks steeped in history, I’ve learned so much and felt truly immersed in the world of marine archaeology. It’s an experience I’ll carry with me.