The barges were filled with slag and industrial rubble before being beached to maximize their structural resistance to the river's strong tidal currents.
The site includes the remains of the 'Harriett', a wooden schooner, alongside more modern concrete barges constructed during wartime material shortages.
The graveyard is managed in partnership between the Canal & River Trust and the Friends of Purton voluntary group.
The Severn Estuary has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world, which periodically reveals and submerges different sections of the wrecks.
Several vessels at the site were formerly used for transport on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal before their retirement.
Archaeological surveys have identified over 80 distinct shipwrecks within the intertidal zone of the graveyard.
Purton Ships Graveyard is the largest collection of shipwrecks in mainland Britain, featuring the remains of over 80 vessels embedded in the banks of the River Severn. These concrete, wooden, and steel barges were intentionally beached between 1909 and the 1970s to act as a barrier against riverbank erosion caused by tidal surges. The site spans approximately 1.5 miles of the shoreline. The graveyard serves as a unique open-air museum of British maritime engineering, including former canal barges and coastal trading vessels. Many hulls are now reclaimed by saltmarsh vegetation, creating a distinct visual contrast between industrial relics and the natural environment. The site is accessible via the Severn Way national trail.
The elevated sections of the towpath provide a clear vantage point for capturing the line of wreckage stretching along the shoreline.
Check local tide tables before arriving, as high tide can submerge the lower parts of the wrecks.
The ground can be extremely muddy and uneven; wear sturdy, waterproof footwear.
Bring binoculars to spot the varying degrees of decay across the different vessel types from the safety of the path.
Avoid visiting during or immediately after heavy rain, as the paths become dangerously slippery and waterlogged.
Do not attempt to climb on the fragile shipwrecks, as they are unstable and protected historical assets; stay on the public footpaths.
