Medieval ship found in the banks of the River Usk

Name game continues for medieval ship
Jane Helmich
21 November 2007
South Wales Argus


MARIE de Bayonne or the Green Dragon? These are two possible names for the famous medieval vessel found in the banks of the River Usk.

But Alan Smith, a member of the Friends of Newport Ship, said the mystery of what it was called could take a little longer to unravel.

Yesterday, we reported that former museum curator Robert Trett believes there are several clues which suggest the ship could have been named the Marie de Bayonne, although there is no definite proof.

Mr Smith told the Argus: "It's still up in the air at the moment - we know there were several ships with the name Marle de Bayonne," he said.

"Even if that was the name, we still don't know which one it was."

Mr Smith believed it could have belonged to the Herberts of St Julians, a titled family living on the River Usk during the 15th century who had a ship called Green Dragon.

"I think there'll be some more investigation before we get to the truth."

Mr Trett began his research following the discovery of the ship in 2002 and found circumstantial evidence that the ship could have been called the Marie de Bayonne.

This was a popular name for ships from Bayonne whose cathedral is dedicated to Saint Marie.

Bayonne was an important ship building area in the Middle Ages and a main trading area exporting many goods including red wine, salt and spices.

The ship is currently being cleaned and recorded as part of a project co-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Newport City Council.