Archaeology Discover Centre
Underwater Archaeology Centre
The Underwater Archaeology Centre is based at Fort Victoria on the Isle of Wight. It is run by the Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology. The Underwater Archaeology Centre has been evolving in the hands of the Trust to become an educational hub for the community, schools and dive groups. Within the Exhibition, the work of the Trust is displayed to help educate and inform the public of the history of the area and the importance of conserving and recording our maritime archaeological heritage.
Learn about the rich legacy of maritime heritage at the Underwater Archaeology Centre in the Maritime Heritage Centre, Fort Victoria on the Isle of Wight. The exhibiton brings to life ships claimed by the treacherous coast of the Island, the work of maritime archaeologists and the Lost Land of the Solent.
Activity days are held throughout the year. Contact HWTMA for more information.
The Exhibits
Shipwrecks
One of the key areas of maritime archaeology is the exploration and preservation of shipwrecks. This area looks at why shipwrecks are important and how they are caused. They explore why there are so many wrecks in the Solent area and how they become time capsules of the past. It focuses on the wreck of HMS Pomone, an 1805 Leda class gun frigate, lost on the Needles while returning from the Mediterranean with military intelligence for the King George. This exciting story is told though in-depth text panels and a DVD that takes you under the seas to explore the wreck site!
Archaeology in Practice
Have you ever wanted to be an archaeologist and explore the past? This area feels like you are below deck looking out at marine archaeologists at work deep under the sea. Here you can see the barnacle encrusted Alum Bay wooden gun carriage wheel brought up by divers in 2002. It is made of exotic wood that is yet to identified.
Submerged Landscapes
See the underwater footage taken by divers of the pre-historic cliffs and remains of forests that lie under the Solent! Watch as a lobster digging its nest uncovers Mesolithic flint tools and learn how the seas rose to submerge this landscape! Here you will find a display of flint tools and pre-historic animals that lived under and around the ancient valleys under the sea!
History of Fort Victoria
Fort Victoria was built in 1855 to defend the Western entrance of the Solent. Learn about its history and the stories it has to tell!
Discovery Room
Hands on learning and discovery! Use our touch screen display to test your knowledge, play games and view the underwater world!
www.hwtma.org.uk Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology