The Ship was in dock for repair or dismantling. This meant it was not full of cargo or personal possessions, nor did it contain any ballast. Nevertheless, careful archaeological excavation produced a surprising number of finds that provide an amazing view into the lives of the people who sailed on her.
These artefacts include:
Petit Blanc Coin
The French "petit blanc", literally 'little white' was a small, low-value coin found within the keel of the Newport Ship. It is believed to have been put there for good luck. A superstition at the time that a cargo ship that had no money doomed its owners to failure.
One of the most significant artefacts recovered during the entire project is this silver French coin of Louis II, Dauphin de Viennois, later King Louis XI of France. It was found purposely embedded in the keel of the vessel. A small rebate was cut on the inboard face of the keel near the forward end. The silver petit blanc was placed in the rebate and covered with tar and animal fibre just before the stem post was attached, effectively sealing the coin in the fabric of the ship. The coin was actually found long after the excavation, during the detailed cleaning of the keel in 2006. The coin was in perfect condition and was identified as being minted at Crémieu in France between May and July 1447. The minter of the coin was Jaques Vincent. Given that the keel was the first part of the ship to be laid, this means the ship could not have been constructed before May 1447. This coin was placed in the fabric of the ship as a good luck charm, with a cross and the motto Blessed be the Name of the Lord. Such practices date back to at least Roman times, and continue to today.
Stone Shot
The Stone Shot weigh a few hundred grams these are not the ship sinking cannon balls of later years but were most likely fired from a swivel gun mounted on the ship for repelling boarders or taking out the personnel of other ships.
Replica Swivel gun
Archer’s Brace
The archer's brace is used to protect the shooter from the slap of the bowstring against their arm while shooting. Given the valuable nature of the cargo on board vessels like the Newport Ship. It is likely that she would have carried a number of armed men and that the crew would have had some experience in defending themselves.
Brass Strap
This is a section of brass strap from an iron helmet found during the excavation of the Newport Ship and adds further evidence that there were a number of arms men stationed aboard the ship during its lifetime.
Gaming Piece
Travelling by sail is a relaxing but time-consuming experience, we believe that the Newport Ship was trading between the UK, Germany and Portugal with each of these journeys taking several weeks it is understandable that the crew would require entertainment
Wooden Comb
Grooming in the Medieval Period was more widespread than popular belief would have you think, as evidenced by the combination wooden comb above, that hasn't changed much in the intervening 540 years.
Bilge Pump
This would have been used to pump out the bilges where excess water would gather in the bottom of the ship and would need to be removed. This is the only example of a bilge pump from the medieval period.