Image: The Sanday Wreck on the shores of Sanday, February 2024 (c) Wessex Archaeology
Dendrochronology and historical research reveal identity of shipwreck as former Royal Navy vessel, community exploring heritage interpretation options.
The identity of a shipwreck discovered on the island of Sanday in Orkney has been revealed as the Earl of Chatham, a former Royal Navy vessel.
The ship, built with wood from south and southwest England, was identified through scientific analysis and community-led historical research. The timbers are currently housed in a freshwater tank at the Sanday Heritage Centre for conservation.
Wessex Archaeology, working with consultancy Dendrochronicle and volunteer community researchers, identified the ship thanks to funding from Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
The shipwreck, a former Royal Navy vessel called HMS Hind, was first discovered in February 2024 and was latterly renamed once it became a whaling ship.
Clive Struver, chair of the Sanday Development Trust said: “Now that we have this knowledge about the wreck and how it came to rest in Sanday, the next step is very much to explore what the community here would like to see happen in terms of where and how the story of the wreck and our island’s past as the ‘cradle of shipwrecks in Scotland’ can be captured for generations to come – including importantly how that could be achieved in the context of a small island and in a way that honours and reflects the unique character of Sanday.”
Nick Hewitt, Culture Team Manager for Orkney Islands Council, added: “It has been a wonderful team effort so far between many and one we’re proud to have been a part of, and will continue to be as we support the Sanday community explore the future possibilities for their wreck.”
