A SHIPWRECK dating back to the late 18th or early 19th century has been given special protection by the government.

A resident alerted Historic England to a newly-exposed substantial wooden wreck on the foreshore of Camber Sands near Rye.

Previously they had only ever seen a stump but in September 2016 there were ribs and other stumps showing.

Historic England identified the wreck as remains of a substantial oak-built sailing vessel measuring 47.2m long by 9.5m wide lying parallel to the beach.

The width and thickness of the timbers suggest it was a heavily-built ship.

Some of the timbers are from North America, showing that the vessel was partially constructed with or repaired using North American oak.

Now it has been given ‘protection’ by the government.

Heritage Minister Michael Ellis said: “The Camber Sands wreck is a marvellous discovery that will give us another opportunity to uncover more about what life at sea was like hundreds of years ago.

“It is important that we protect them to learn more about our impressive maritime history and ensure that it is preserved for future generations.”

Records indicate that the wreck may be the Avon.

It was reported to have ‘stranded and drifted alongshore to the east of Rye Harbour and received considerable damage’ in August 1852 en route from Le Havre with a cargo of timber.

The Avon is recorded as being built in Nova Scotia in 1843.

The discovery of the wreck has the potential to further understanding of the timber used in shipbuilding and repairs in eastern North America.

As it may have been built in North America, it could answer questions about transatlantic timber trade in the 19th century.