Find Spot record 363 - Baddiley Mere Logboat

The prow of what proved to be a logboat was found whilst cleaning Baddiley Mere in 1911 to improve water supply. Made of a single oak trunk it was 18 ft x 3 ft broad, with a depth of 1 ft 8 ins. Nearby was a paddle about 4 ft long made of one piece of oak. Also discovered pelvis of what was identified as from 'Bos longifrons'. Boyd Dawkins suggested an Iron Age date. Mere extends for three-and-a-half acres and was partly peat covered (1). Another paddle found by Mr Grey in 1929 came from NGR SJ 5977 5039 but this is lost (2). A full discussion of load, performance and type given by McGrail (3).

<1> Chester Archaeological Society, Journal of the Chester Archaeological Society, Barber E 1911 18/204-12 (Journal/Periodical). SCH1595.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, Waggott T 1964 SJ55SE2 (Index). SCH2487.

<3> McGrail S, 1978, Logboats of England & Wales (BAR), 51/152-3 (Monograph). SCH2004.

<4> Chester Archaeological Society, Journal of the Chester Archaeological Society, XVIII/204-212 Barber The Ven E 1911 (Journal/Periodical). SCH1595.

<5> Longley D, 1977-1978, Longley Archive, /no.436 (Paper Archive). SCH2005.