Wreck Site and Archaeological Remains:

Vertical Datum: LAT (1)(2)
Orientation: SSW/NNE (1); 22/202 (2)

13-MAR-1991: Stranded wreck, name unknown, lying SSW/NNE, shown in 51 26 10.2N 000 37 18.7E on photoplot. (1)(2)

Charted to a depth of 5 metres. (2)

Located in the inter-tidal zone. (3)

Method of fix: Aerial Photograph Interpretation, photograph numbers KCC 1985 Line 7: 0131 and 1990 Line 6: 0035.

On the 1961 and 1967 surveys this area is covered by water. On the 1985 survey the outline of a vessel can be seen apparently bows on to the saltmarsh. The site can just be distinguished on the 1990 photograph. (4)

Examination of NMR photograph of remains of hulk from the north confirms the orientation as SSW/NNE, or "bows on to the saltmarsh", the construction as wood, and the dimensions consistent with the site as described in (1) to (4). The grid reference of TQ 823742 confirms this identification. (5)

Wreck Event and Documentary Evidence:

Named as the CHAMPION; location maps in (6) and (7) place this wreck site in TQ 823742, although the NGR is incorrectly quoted as TQ 840740 in (7).

Registered at Ipswich, going through a succession of owners. Last known owner Goldfinch.

Tonnage 42 tons; dimensions 73 x 16 x 5 feet. Hulked, derelict, remains were visible in 1986. (6)(7)

Built: 1861
Builder: W Bayley
Where Built: Ipswich
Official Number: 29854
Last known owner: Goldfinch

Date of Loss Qualifier: Approximate date of loss

The 19th century barge Champion can be seen on the earliest available aerial photographs taken in 1946. The outline of the vessel can be just made out in the mud on aerial photographs taken in 2007. This vessel was mapped as part of the English Heritage: Hoo Peninsula Landscape Project. (8-9)

Historic England archive material: BB94/05855 EXTERIOR REMAINS OF A SAILING BARGE IN STOKE OOZE AT TQ 823742 FROM NORTH MD003097 Hoo Peninsula Landscape Project: TQ 87 SW Material still held by Aerial Survey.

<1> Hydrographic Office wreck index, Extracted 20-JAN-1993, Page Nos. N/a (Bibliographic reference). SKE6339.

<2> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9439.

<3> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9488.

<4> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9491.

<5> 2000, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX10296.

<6> Wessex Archaeology, 2005, North Kent Coast Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey: Phase ll: Field Assessment Year One report (Unpublished document). SWX12121.

<7> Society for Spiritsail Barge Research, 1996, The last berth of the sailorman (Bibliographic reference). SKE6419.