There’s a unique stretch of grassy riverbank in Gloucestershire that’s said to be the largest ship graveyard in all of Britain.
Nestled between the River Severn and the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal at Purton, this unusual final resting place houses an impressive collection of over 80 vessels that once navigated the nearby waters.
As our captivating images reveal, the Purton Hulks, grounded between 1909 and the 1960s, are now in varying stages of decay as they gradually yield to the elements.
Their location is no coincidence. As they weather and deteriorate, the wooden and concrete hulls serve a crucial purpose – reinforcing the eastern bank that separates the river and canal, thus preventing a catastrophic breach.
The site is home to sturdy little Severn trows that transported cargo along the river, ocean-faring schooners, wartime concrete barges and various types of working craft. Some present a haunting sight with their ironwork skeletons and moss-covered hulls, evoking images of their heyday with crews on board and destinations to reach.
Around two decades ago, maritime historian Paul Barnett initiated a project to identify the Purton Hulks and highlight their importance. Today, there’s an information board on the bankside listing all known names, as well as individual labels on some vessels.
Harriet, the only known surviving Kennet barge, beached at Purton in 1964, has been designated as an ancient monument.