Replica Bronze Age boat to go on show in Falmouth

A seven month project to recreate a Bronze Age boat using traditional techniques is nearing completion.

The construction is part of a collaborative effort between the National Maritime Museum and the University of Exeter.

The boat, which will weigh around five tonnes (5,000kg) when finished, is being built by a team of students led by a Cornish boat builder.

The group is using replicas of ancient tools to build the wooden boat.

The craft, which is being built to scale, is known as a sewn-plank boat.

Traditionally, the planks of wood used to construct the boats were sewn together using yew tree withies. The boats were made watertight with moss.

On 10 November, the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth will hold a 2012BC event where visitors can see the results of the boat project.

Professor Van de Noort, from the University of Exeter, said: "It's one thing to know of the processes behind the evolution of these boats but it's another to actually get to grips with the tools and learn the skills used to create them.

"Spending time working with the teams on the construction has led to a new level of discovery and this event will be a wonderful opportunity to share some of what we've uncovered."

Andy Wyke, Boat Collection Manager at the museum, said: "This event will be a great opportunity for visitors to peek behind the scenes and meet the team responsible for building our replica Bronze Age boat."