Raising Public Awareness Utilising the UK’s Designated Wrecks

Summary

The Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 was passed to protect the UK’s most significant wrecks. In 2013 more than sixty sites are designated under this legislation. Recreational divers continue to enjoy licensed access to them, with amateur archaeologists surveying and in some cases excavating under the direction of their nominated archaeologist, which also remains a voluntary activity.

However the relationship between amateurs and the profession with respect to these sites has not always been an easy one, with both sides perhaps not fully understanding the others’ perspectives. Whether amateur or professional, those involved share a commitment to protecting, preserving and where possible maintaining public access, principles that are fundamental to the UNESCO Convention. From a public archaeology perspective this paper will illustrate how these sites can be utilised to raise awareness of the UK’s population that remains interested, but relatively uniformed of the significant threats that underwater cultural heritage faces.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Protected Wreck Sites: 40 Years of Protection   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2013

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 614