The Barland's Farm Romano-Celtic Boat

by Nigel Nayling and Seán McGrail

This report provides a comprehensive description and analysis of the remains of a remarkably well-preserved Romano-Celtic boat and of the environment in which it was used.

Barland’s Farm is in a previously agricultural part of the Gwent Levels, the coastal plain on the northern shore of the Severn Estuary in south-east Wales. Survey and excavation work in advance of construction work on that site revealed the bows, the lower hull, and much of one side of an oak-built boat. Following in situ recording, the remains were dismantled and recovered for detailed recording of individual timbers prior to conservation.

The Barland’s Farm boat exhibits many features characteristic of the Romano-Celtic boat-building tradition and has provided important insights into craft techniques and use of materials. Palaeoecological research has led to an environmental context for the boat and thrown light on the wider environment including agricultural activity. Analysis of associated finds and the reconstruction of the boat’s original shape and structure indicate its likely uses.

…An exemplary account of an important boat-find, based on archaeological and historical information and on scientific analyses. This volume will be of great interest not only to maritime archaeologists, but to a much wider readership.
(Dr Ronald Bockius, Senior Curator, Museum fur Antike Schiffahrt, Mainz).

Info: 150 illus, 320pp
Last copies remaining - please contact CBA to purchase this book | special offers