The Dover Boat-a Reconstruction Case-Study

Abstract

The Bronze-Age Dover boat, reconstructed and published by Owain Roberts in 2004, is discussed in regard to the general considerations of reconstructing ancient boat structures in the previous paper. The archaeological evidence shows that the boat had a bottom shape different from that shown in the 2004 reconstruction, and various other aspects, such as the general shape and strength of the hull and the calculation of potential speed when paddled, are questioned, partly drawing on the author's experience with the reconstruction of the Hjortspring boat. A re-assessment of the evidence is called for before any attempts to build a full-scale version of the Dover boat for sea-trials. I n this paper on the Dover Bronze-Age boat from c. 1550 BC (Fig. 1), various aspects of its reconstruction as presented in two recent publications (Clark, 2004a;Clark, 2004b) will be discussed. These notes do not represent the work of an inter-disciplinary group of scholars, nor do they claim to identify the one and only solution to the reconstruction problem. 1 However, they may serve as a first step in a reappraisal of the boat, hopefully leading to a fruitful discussion about aspects of the construction as well as the propulsion and seafaring ability of this vessel, which are so important for our understanding of Bronze-Age boatbuilding and seafaring.The Dover boat monograph, edited by Peter Clark (2004a), is a fine example of a comprehensive publication of a prehistoric boat find. It contains detailed and well-illustrated chapters on the remains of the boat itself by Peter Marsden, and Richard Darrah describes the pioneering effort to determine the original shape and size of the heavily-degraded timbers that had been buried for millennia. Conclusions concerning BronzeAge woodworking technology derived from study of the original timbers and a full-scale, 3m-long midships section are described by Richard Darrah and Damian Goodburn, whereas the naval architectural aspects of three alternative reconstructions, one of which is given special attention, are presented by Owain Roberts. Other chapters deal with the excavation, the context of the vessel, as well as various environmental aspects.Regrettably, this monograph had not yet been printed when the Dover Bronze-Age Boat Trust arranged a conference in Dover in 2002 on the boat and its context. For this reason a serious discussion of the proposed reconstruction(s) could not take place, but a number of papers presented then summarised aspects of the monograph as well as discussed other Bronze-Age finds with regard to topics such as criteria for seaworthiness of ancient vessels and the social and religious context of Bronze-Age boats. These papers have now been published (Clark, 2004b), thus enabling others to assess the proposed reconstructions and their suggested seaworthiness (or lack of it) against the documentation of the find.In the monograph, Owain Roberts publishes his plans of the reconstructed boat, presenting three versions, Dover 1-3, for discussion (Fig. 2). They are all laid o...

The Re-Assessment and Reconstruction of Excavated Boats

“…It is understood that the Dover Boat Trust and Peter Clarke, the editor of the two Dover publications, are considering the way ahead in the light of the recent criticism by Crumlin‐Pedersen (2006), by Von der Porten (2006), and by Roberts (2006a; 2006b). They would be well‐advised to follow the procedure suggested earlier in this paper, beginning with building an ‘as‐found’ scale model.…”

“…Owain Roberts’ theoretical reconstruction of the prehistoric Dover boat (Clark, 2004b: 189–210) has recently been criticised in some detail (Crumlin‐Pedersen, 2006), as has the Dover boat research group's presumption that this boat must necessarily have been seagoing (McGrail, 2006b). Alternatives to the latter possibility need to be considered: for example, one explanation of her loss could be that severe weather drove her from her usual operational area in the Wantsum Channel (formerly a tidal channel between the Isle of Thanet and Kent) until she was deposited in the River Dour at Dover.…”

The Dover Boat; Some Responses to Ole Crumlin-Pedersen and Seán McGrail Concerning its Propulsion, Hull-Form, and Assembly, and Some Observations on the Reappraisal Process

“…Not only will large‐scale modelling and reconstructions help to understand and perfect techniques, but they will also demonstrate performance. I can imagine that by using modern data‐logging technology, and, for example, placing strain‐gauges on the seams and in the stitches, this performance could be quantified, and the data used, as Crumlin‐Pedersen (2006) suggests in his paper, to develop appropriate mathematical and computer models for these types of craft.…”

Telling it as it was in the southern Levant: a task of biblical proportions? - Thomas E. Levy & Thomas Higham (ed.). The Bible and Radiocarbon Dating: Archaeology, Text and Science. xii+450 pages, 64 illustrations, 30 tables. 2005. London/Oakville: Equinox; 1-84553-057-8 paperback £24.99 & $39.95 & 1-84553-056-X hardback £75 & $135. - Israel Finkelstein & Neil Asher Silberman. David and Solomon: In Search of the Bible's Sacred Kings and the Roots of the Western

“…Firstly, with respect to theoretical reconstructions of the missing end of the boat, there is a clear difference of opinion among the contributing authors not all of whom accept Roberts' solution. Other specialists have also since recommended reappraisal (Crumlin-Pedersen 2006). Oh for the other end!…”