Divers have mapped 25 manmade features at the site of medieval Shipden, about 1,300 feet off Cromer, England, but have not found St. Peter’s Church. An 1888 blast to clear a submerged obstruction may explain the toppled flintwork.
Shipden was a port that traded in grain and timber. The sea damaged St. Peter’s Church in 1317 and had submerged it by 1400, although its tower was reportedly visible at low tide into the 1800s. In August 1888, the excursion tug Victoria struck a submerged obstruction off Cromer; everyone aboard was rescued, and explosives were later used to clear the hazard.
Local tradition held that Church Rock, a seabed formation, was St. Peter’s tower; the discoveries have raised the possibility that the church lies northwest of that spot instead. Project director Peter Stibbons said researchers are comparing medieval documents with physical finds and offering ideas, not conclusions. A flint wall may have served as a sea defense, pending further research. The finds are headed to Cromer Museum, and divers plan to return.
