Archaeologists have excavated a slipway from the 18th century where ships for Lord Nelson's fleet were constructed and launched.

The team from the University of Southampton said this is first slipway from the time period to be completely uncovered in the UK.

They added that the findings could help improve their understanding of shipbuilding infrastructure and techniques in the colonial era.

The HMS Agamemnon, regarded as Nelson's most-loved vessel, was constructed at Buckler's Hard

The slipway is located in Buckler's Hard in the New Forest, and is widely believed to formerly be one of the largest private shipyards in the country during the time period.

Historical records suggest that over 55 Royal Navy vessels from the 1700s were constructed and launched from the waterfront nearby.

Archaeologists were shocked that the original boat ramp was still standing, as the majority of features from this period have since been buried in concrete.

Researchers have built a 3D model of the fully uncovered slipway to assist further research in future.

Archaeologists were shocked that the original boat ramp was still standing

Professor Jon Adams, director of the University of Southampton's Centre for Maritime Archaeology, said: "No other private yard built as many ships for the navy during this period".

In Adams's view, the site's uniqurness makes it particularly useful for learning more about Britain's shipbuilding heritage.

The professor said: "The only opportunity is a place like this where you can actually see the whole of the whole of the infrastructure and the logistical structures needed to build ships of that size."

The HMS Agamemnon, regarded as Nelson's most-loved vessel, was constructed at Buckler's Hard and was used as Britain sent down Napoleon's forces at Trafalgar.

Plans are underway to put a replica of the famous ship on the end of the slipway as it would have looked when it was being built.

In true 1700s style, the site will be covered with a fresh layer of soil with timbers placed on top.

Adams said: "The visitor would then come into the village and actually see what the yard might have looked like."

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The discovery comes just days after maritime archaeologists were left stunned after uncovering a 300-year-old pirate shipwreck off the US coast.

The wreck is believed to be from La Fortuna, a Spanish privateer ship that exploded while mounting an attack in 1748.

The team of archaeologists also discovered artefacts reflecting daily life and armed conflict on the other side of the Atlantic at the time.