News
Mark Milburn’s Cornish Wreck Ramblings, Part 10: Ancient Times
Cornwall is well known for its tin mining industry; the iconic engine houses can still be seen around the countryside. It is an ancient industry, starting well over 2,500 years ago. Production of tin, a constituent of bronze, was important worldwide especially during the bronze age. This brought traders. There is a rumour that the Phoenicians came to Cornwall to trade for tin, although there has been no evidence to prove that, yet. On an old hand drawn local chart, in an area near St Michael’s Mount, there is a written comment stating ‘Phoenician’s objects found’. What these ‘objects’ were, or where they are now, is unknown.
Whether the Phoenicians actually made it to Cornwall may never be known. The author David Gibbins writes of a Phoenician wreck off the Cornish Coast in his book Testament. Although Testament is fiction, several of David Gibbins stories from his books have actually come true. Whether or not the Phoenicians came to Cornwall, there would have been other traders coming by sea, from that era.
The Romans may have conquered a large part of the known world, including England. They did not conquer Cornwall, although they did trade with her. There are very few known Roman settlements in Cornwall, it was too remote and the Cornish were probably too efficient at producing tin. The Romans knew that if they tried to take control, tin production might fall. It was far easier to trade.
There are lots of Roman finds around Cornwall; a lot, considering they never really occupied the area. Roman tin traders would have travelled by land as well as by sea. Rumours of Roman wrecks have been passed down locally and amphora are believed to have been recovered in the past. I have been told this from two separate sources with regards to two separate locations. There is a very big chance that there are more to be found.
Apart from amphora, we would expect to see remains of weapons and even quern stones. Quern stones are corn grinding stones, something the Romans were believed to carry on all their vessels. They would be used for grinding corn to make flour, which they could use to make bread, soups or cornmeal. I have found a quern stone, as has another local diver. They are hard to date but are both estimated to be over a thousand years old. They would also have a hearth, terracotta and bronze containers and utensils, maybe even a mortar. Roman warships had large bronze spikes at the bow to pierce any vessels they rammed, but, unfortunately, their merchant vessels did not have these.
The Vikings visited Cornwall, not to live, but to raid and trade. They made several raids including one as far around the coast as Padstow in 981AD. They would have traded for tin as it was still an important commodity. Viking ships were fast but lightweight and constantly needing repair. Riding a storm out on the Cornish coast is hard in any small vessel, so the Viking vessels would stand little chance. Unfortunately, there was little to a Viking ship, other than wood and small iron nails. So, if one was ever found, it would be very hard to work out what it was from the cargo alone. Although finding anything ancient in the waters around Cornwall would be highly unlikely, it would certainly be of national archaeological importance.
Find out more about Mark and Atlantic Scuba at www.atlanticscuba.co.uk
Marine Life & Conservation
Steve Backshall to headline Shark Trust’s flagship event: For the Love of Sharks
Join a host of amazing, shark loving, speakers including Steve Backshall and the Shark Trust team for an evening celebrating shark conservation at the Royal Geographical Society in London this November.
Date: 29th November 2024
Time: 6-10pm
Location: Royal Geographical Society, London
Tickets: https://www.sharktrust.org/Event/flos24
The event will be a celebration of all things shark. Those lucky enough to get hold of tickets will hear from engaging guest speakers with a passion for sharks.
The line-up includes (*subject to change if unforeseen circumstances arise)
Steve Backshall: One of television’s busiest presenters, BAFTA award-winning wildlife expert Steve has been passionate about the wild world ever since he was young.
Steve’s impressive TV career has taken him all around the world, investigating a wide array of species and environments. Steve has filmed over 100 hours of children’s wildlife programmes with the BAFTA award winning Deadly 60 franchise and recently, with Sky Nature, for his new series ‘Whale with Steve Backshall’. He has been a patron for the Shark Trust for 10 years.
Simon Rogerson: is a photojournalist specialising in natural history, diving and the sea.
He is editor of SCUBA magazine, the official journal of the British Sub-Aqua Club. Simon started his career as a crime reporter but gravitated towards his ‘less depressing’ interest in underwater exploration, joining the staff of DIVE magazine in 1999. In 2005 he was named ‘Editor of the Year’ in the PPA’s Independent Publishing Awards. Simon also works as a freelance writer, contributing frequently to the Sunday Times and Telegraph, in addition to BBC Wildlife, Esquire, and a host of international diving magazines. He is the author of a book, Dive Red Sea, published by Ultimate Sports. Now based in Berkshire, Simon has been a Patron of the Shark Trust for 20 years.
More speakers to be announced soon. Head to the Shark Trust website to learn more.
The evening will also allow guests the final chance to see the Oceanic 31, shark art exhibition. Some of the artwork will be auctioned/raffled at the event, while the rest will be auctioned online to raise money for the Shark Trust Oceanic Programme.
For the Love of Sharks is an evening with something for everyone who is interested and fascinated by sharks. Join the Shark Trust, their Patrons, Trustees and Staff, along with a host of supporters for this celebration of shark conservation.
For more information or to buy a ticket: https://www.sharktrust.org/Event/flos24
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
-
News3 months agoHone your underwater photography skills with Alphamarine Photography at Red Sea Diving Safari in March
-
News3 months agoCapturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop 2024: Event Roundup
-
Marine Life & Conservation Blogs3 months agoCreature Feature: Swell Sharks
-
Blogs2 months agoMurex Resorts: Passport to Paradise!
-
Blogs2 months agoDiver Discovering Whale Skeletons Beneath Ice Judged World’s Best Underwater Photograph
-
Gear Reviews3 weeks agoGEAR REVIEW – Revolutionising Diving Comfort: The Sharkskin T2 Chillproof Suit
-
Marine Life & Conservation2 months agoSave the Manatee Club launches brand new webcams at Silver Springs State Park, Florida
-
Gear Reviews3 months agoGear Review: Oceanic+ Dive Housing for iPhone