Webinar on 50 Years of Protecting Ship Wrecks

July 2023 marked the 50th Anniversary of the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. There are currently 57 shipwreck sites designated under the Act, ranging from the remains of cargo scatters from wrecks dating to the Bronze Age to submarines from the First World War.

Shipwreck sites are naturally difficult to access, being located underwater or in the intertidal zone, often in challenging locations. Historic England provides support for the dedicated teams of professional and avocational archaeological divers who undertake projects to monitor, survey and investigate England’s Protected Wrecks, and commissions projects that improve the future management and preservation of these nationally important archaeological sites.

This webinar shares the work of Historic England and frames the future of marine heritage protection by taking stock, celebrating achievements, and addressing new challenges.