Mystery over Saltwick metal find
Reporter Emma Spencer with the possible anchor found on Saltwick beach w130415
A MYSTERY object thought to be over 100 years old has been found off Saltwick Bay.
The metal artefact was brought to the Gazette offices by Mal Greenly who found it while out walking with pal Richard Clarkson.
It was sticking out of some rocks and curved into an oval shape and was covered in seaweed and marine debris.
They took it to James Godbold blacksmiths at Egton for it to be cleaned up and straightened out. It weights in at 16 pounds and is six feet six inches long.
At first they thought it might have been a harpoon which was largely used in the whaling industry to secure the tale of the whale to the boast so it couldn’t get away.
But after doing more research Mal thinks it could be from an anchor.
The relic looks very similar to the anchors used on boats for alum mining which was prevalent in the area from the 17th century following the discovery that one of the most vital ingredients of alum was to be found in the cliffs off the coast of Whitby.
Mal said: “When they used to come in for the alum they would put the anchor down. They were four stone anchors and that weights one stone and there would have been four of them.
“When we found it, it was bent and would have gone around the anchor. It must be well over 100 years old but I am just guessing at that.”
If anyone can shed any light on the artefact contact Emma Spencer in the newsroom on (01947) 829914.
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Weather for Whitby
Thursday 23 May 2013
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