An archaeological excavation can result in a huge amount of artefacts being excavated in a short period of time. The analysis of these artefacts can take many years or decades.
But why does conservation take so long? And what does it involve?
Maritime Archaeologist Pip and Archaeological Conservator Angela explain how they’re conserving finds from the London wreck:
Diver about to dive the London wreck June 2016 copyright Cotswold Archaeology
The London was built in 1656 and in 1665 accidentally blew up in the Thames. The wealth of finds of all types preserved on the wreck provided an exceptional insight into the Navy at a time of Britain’s burgeoning naval power in Europe.
Situated adjacent to the navigation channel of the Thames, excavation works between 2014 and 2016 recovered many artefacts at risk. From glass bottles, wooden apostles (gun powder cartridges), to leather shoes and book covers.
We have to…
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