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AI Digitizes 1696–97 Port Records, Reveals 80% Europe Trade

By Drooid · Oct 19, 2026, 6:32 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

University of Southampton researchers used AI to digitise centuries-old British port records into a searchable database.
The data show Europe supplied roughly 80 % of Britain’s overseas trade value in 1696-97.
Coal appears in over 101,000 cargo entries, making it the most recorded British export.
France led with 157 sites, the Netherlands 68 and India 59 among the top fifteen locations.

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Story summary

University of Southampton researchers used AI to digitise centuries-old British port records into a searchable database.
The data show Europe supplied roughly 80 % of Britain’s overseas trade value in 1696-97.
Coal appears in over 101,000 cargo entries, making it the most recorded British export.
France led with 157 sites, the Netherlands 68 and India 59 among the top fifteen locations.