Purton Ship Graveyard: defences for the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal
- Time and date: 15:45, 20/11/22
- Aircraft: Mini 3 Pro
- Drone Scene: Link
A riverbank collapse in 1909 led to concerns about the strong currents of the River and its erosive power putting at risk the Gloucester and Sharpness canal so a quick resolution was required. Between 1909 and 1970’s at regular intervals barges, trows and schooners were taken out on the tide, towed by a tug towards the shore and then charged up the bank. Holes were then made in the hull to allow the tides to deposit the silt inside. Most vessels were beached in the 1950’s and now as a result the ground level has built up meaning you can now see a few barges lying on top of earlier ones.
In total, 66 vessels are beached there between 1939 - 1976.
