Wreck Expeditions in 2018

Summer 2018 expeditions

• Rooswijk 1740, Ramsgate
  The 2018 expedition started Monday 18 June. You can and follow the progress of the project on Twitter #Rooswijk1740. 
• HMS Montagu, Lundy
  Our partner Wessex Archaeology is investigating the wreck with the help of local dive clubs and Help for Heroes. Their findings will help determine whether the wreck should be listed as a protected wreck site. Check @wessexarch on Twitter to find out how the Help for Heroes dive team are getting on.
• Tankerton wreck, Whitstable
  Investigation of a wreck that was discovered last year by a group of volunteers. See BBC South East's video of the wreck excavations. Follow their progress on Twitter #TankertonBayWreck. 

Want to visit a wreck?

Marine archaeology usually lies deep beneath the waves and out of sight of most of us. We want everyone to be able to enjoy protected wreck sites so we're supporting the creation of dive trails.

Explore our virtual dive trails

We've commissioned virtual dive trails of some fascinating wrecks that you can tour without getting wet. The trails are free and use the latest technology and virtual reality techniques to bring maritime archaeology to life before your eyes.

Three wrecks to walk to at low tide

Wrecks like the one at Tankerton that lie in sand or in mud in the inter-tidal zone are freely accessible to visit on public land at low tide.

Join licensed divers on a dive trail

Of the 57 Protected Wreck Sites off England there are currently five (and more to come) that you can access on a protected wreck dive trail.

Read our shipwreck blogs

• How to do archaeological conservation
  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 years, or even decades to complete.
• Lost at sea: 6 of England’s shipwrecks
  Shipwrecks are among the most atmospheric of our monuments, partly because they have an air of mystery and partly because they are often inaccessible.
• Women in science: 10 minutes with a maritime archaeologist
  To mark the UN's International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we spoke to Maritime Archaeologist Alison James about what inspires her in her work.
• The silent service: Britain’s nuclear submarines
  Many 20th century military sites survive around the country, and a number of these sites are protected due to their special architectural or historic interest.
• Tackling heritage crime
  Criminal acts that threaten heritage include metal theft, criminal damage like arson, illicit trade of cultural objects and unlawful metal detecting. Here's a quick look at some of the ways we're tackling maritime and other heritage crime.

How and why do we protect wrecks?

• More about wreck protection and access
• Explore our records of all protected wreck sites 
• Learn about our maritime heritage at risk

Explore our recent wreck research

• Working on the edge
  Our changing perceptions of the wreck of HMS Colossus.
• Latest Research issue 7
  Illuminates the tragic story of SS Mendi and provides a three-dimensional visualisation of HMS Falmouth.
• Discovering and understanding marine archaeology
  Our seas and coasts hold a rich heritage from millennia of human activity. Historic England and partners investigate wrecks and underwater archaeology sites and help to discover, understand and protect this heritage.