Basque Oak and Portuguese Wine: Unlocking the secrets of a 15th century merchant ship in Newport, Wales
Dec 4, 2025
Tuesday 20th January 2026 7.30pm for 8.00pm start in the Apostle Room Clifton Roman Catholic Cathedral
“Basque Oak and Portuguese Wine: Unlocking the secrets of a 15th century merchant ship in Newport, Wales”
Dr Toby Jones, Curator of the Newport Medieval Ship Project, will reveal the latest astonishing findings about this mid-15th century merchant vessel which traded with Bristol. Discovered and raised in 2002-3, the well-preserved hull remains and numerous artefacts indicate that the ship was likely built in the Basque Country as a wine-trading vessel for Portuguese owners. Examination of the ship’s timbers has led to a greater understanding of Atlantic-Iberian ship design and ship building in the late medieval period. The recovery of such a unique find of unparalleled craftsmanship offers insights into technological innovation at the very beginning of the Age of Exploration, while the hundreds of artefacts reveal the complexity of Anglo-Welsh /Iberian trading links and illuminate life on board the ship.
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