Curators Choice – Appleby Logboat

As part of the Dynamic Collections: Documenting Northern Lincolnshire’s History project, a team of volunteers have been documenting and researching the collections. Project participant Oliver was interested to learn more about the initial discovery of the Appleby Logboat in the River Ancholme.

The Appleby Logboat was found on 7 May 1943, on the bed of the Old River Ancholme during dredging operations. Using radiocarbon testing archaeologists determined that the Logboat dates to around 1100 BC, the Middle Bronze Age. The plank-like black timber on display formed part of a boat hollowed from a single large oak tree.

After the remains of the boat were removed from the river, it was moved to Appleby Estate sawmill to dry. This is where Harold Dudley, Curator of the then Scunthorpe Museum, looked at the boat and measured it. After the timber was recognised as a logboat it was moved to the Museum where it remains on display today.

In this video, volunteer Oliver takes a closer look at the Appleby Logboat and reflects on what it means to stand before a vessel approximately 3,000 years old, imagining its many journeys.