The most likely construction date of the ship is immediately after the winter of 1457/8. This date was obtained by oxygen isotope dendrochronology. An earlier standard dendrochronology study (measuring the width of annual growth rings) has given most of the timbers a likely felling date of 1449. This earlier study identified the Basque region of Northern Spain as the source of the shipbuilding timber. This is an area well known for its shipbuilding industry at this time. Woods associated with later phases of repair come from Britain, as do many structural pieces dating from c.1466. These timbers have been associated with the major renovation work being carried out in Newport at the time the vessel foundered. Remnants of a cradle found beneath the ship suggested that it had been berthed for repair but then abandoned after the supports on the starboard side gave way. Many of the artefacts in the boat, such as coins, pottery and plant remains, suggest that it was trading with Portugal in the 1450s–1460s.
Although there were no initial plans to preserve the ship in its entirety, local people campaigned eagerly to ensure this, leading to the foundation of the Friends of the Newport Ship. Initial estimates suggested that preservation would cost about £3.5 million, and the Welsh Assembly Government and Newport City Council eventually found this sum. The ship’s timbers have subsequently been raised and transferred to a dedicated industrial unit, which the local council describes as “now the biggest wood conservation centre in the UK”, where preservation and research continue. Due to its size, it has not been possible to display the ship in the basement of the new arts centre, as was initially proposed.
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