|
In the fall of 2004, a beach replenishment project pumped tons of sand onto Lewes Beach. What no one knew at the time was that this sand was peppered with artifacts from a previously unknown shipwreck. Since then, thousands of artifacts have been found by beachcombers and donated to the State of Delaware for study.
Searching for the source of these artifacts, an underwater archaeological investigation located the shipwreck site in 2005, while a second investigation in 2006 recovered a wide range of artifacts representing the ship's cargo.
Historical data, archaeological evidence, and the geographic location of the shipwreck suggest that the vessel is the Severn, a British merchant ship that ran aground near present-day Roosevelt Inlet in 1774.
The State of Delaware is grateful to all who assisted in the investigation of the shipwreck including archaeologists, historians, volunteers, and the many people who donated artifacts found on Lewes Beach.
Objects shown above:
1) German Blue-Gray Stoneware
Salt Glazed Stoneware, Germany: Produced in the Rhineland of Germany. Frequently encountered on archaeological sites in Delaware and elsewhere.
2) Case Bottle
Glass, Great Britain, Europe: Square case bottles were designated to fit into a partioned box. They held a variety of liquors and strong spirits.
3) Tin Glazed Earthenware
Glaze (tin and lead), Great Britain, Netherlands
This ceramic was widely used and came in a wide range of forms. It could be plain or highly decorated.
4) Red Earthenware
Lead Glaze Earthenware, Origin Unknown: The form for this ceramic is a bowl. Its purpose is unknown.
|
