Along the tidal channel of the Afon Leri at Ynyslas lie three hulks—Scheduled Ancient Monuments thought to be 19th-century slate-carrying vessels. Abandoned after the decline of the slate trade, they were likely scuppered around 1868 to mark the river channel, and may once have been used as ferries between Ynyslas and Aberdyfi.
Between 2014 and 2016, Dyfed Archaeological Trust, working with partners and with grant aid from Cadw, carried out two phases of investigation focused on the most at-risk vessel, known as Wreck 3. Excavation and recording revealed evidence of its slate cargo, along with finds including a bucket, rope, a wooden box, and a possible ship’s stove. Later work included detailed timber recording, photogrammetry, and a coastal erosion assessment to guide future monitoring and management. Together, these studies have greatly improved understanding of the hulks and highlighted the challenges of preserving fragile maritime heritage in a dynamic coastal environment.
Read our reports in downloads.
