The Quest

Site taken using kite photography courtesy of Hamish Fenton

The Friends of Purton Society was founded by Gloucester based Maritime Historian, Paul Barnett and it was through his efforts in bringing together a representative group of these growing enthusiasts that the inaugural meeting took place on 30^th November 2008 resulting from which, the following aims were drafted: -

The Primary Objective of the Society is to protect and secure the as yet undefined site and abandoned vessels lying at Purton, Gloucestershire, which is collectively referred to as ‘The Purton Ships’ Graveyard’.

The aims of The Friends of Purton are:

To foster the interest of the general public, historians, archaeologists, scientists and other professionals;

To promote the understanding of this unique resource and all it can reveal;

To facilitate continued investigation and research within the site for as long as it remains possible.

The passage of time, with its destructive elements, has witnessed the inevitable gradual erosion of those parts of the vessels which were once mostly visible above water and land levels. This natural destruction will inevitably continue and so, the preservation of what remains, therefore, becomes increasingly important.

Unfortunately, it is not only the elements that have caused the partial destruction of the remains. For as many people who are interested in their history and protection, there are many more who, perhaps through ignorance or criminal inclinations, are oblivious of their significance and importance. Over the years, graffiti has been sprayed on remains, timbers and other artifacts have been ripped from them, some to be reduced as logs for firewood, some to build alfresco barbecues at the site and other timbers to form antique beams in local house construction.

Whilst it is recognised that perhaps due to its nature and location, the physical protection of the site remains complex, further recognition of the significance of it, largely through different and varied forms of education, can help. This education has so far taken the form of volunteers accompanying organised groups on ‘walks and talks’ programmes throughout the site since 2005. Additionally, numerous slide presentations and talks continue to be given by Paul Barnett.

In this vein, it is widely believed that recognition of the site as ‘An English Heritage’ would add tremendous weight to the efforts currently employed. Indeed, all members of the public being conducted around the site have been encouraged to petition and requested ‘scheduling’ for this unique site as a National Monument or by other means, giving increasing weight to its national importance.