Priddy`s Hard, Gosport, Hampshire - Thames Valley Archaeological

Priddy’s Hard, Gosport,
Hampshire
An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment
for Crest Nicholson (South) Ltd
by Jennifer Lowe
Thames Valley Archaeological Services
Ltd
Site Code PHG04/20
August 2004
Summary
Site name: Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, Hampshire
Grid reference: SU 6135 0125
Site activity: Desk-based assessment
Project manager: Steve Ford
Site supervisor: Jennifer Lowe
Site code: PHG 04/20
Summary of results: The site appears to be of low archaeological potential. The site has been
largely truncated by development within its more recent history. There is also very little to
suggest that prior to the defensive earthworks and associated buildings, much activity
occurred on the site.
This report may be copied for bona fide research or planning purposes without the explicit permission of the
copyright holder
Report edited/checked by:
Steve Ford9 25.08.04
Steve Preston9 16.03.04
i
Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, Hampshire
An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment
by Jennifer Lowe
Report 04/20
Introduction
This desk-based study is an assessment of the archaeological potential of a parcel of land located at Priddy’s
Hard, Gosport, Hampshire (Fig. 1). The project was commissioned by Crest Nicholson (South) Ltd. and
comprises the first stage of a process to determine the presence/absence, extent, character, quality and date of
any archaeological remains which may be affected by redevelopment of the nucleus of the proposal area.
Site description, location and geology
The site is roughly triangular in shape, and a site visit on the 5th March 2004, revealed that currently it is largely
undeveloped (Fig. 2). The majority of the site is car park, associated with Explosion! Museum of Naval
Firepower. The car park is covered in wood chippings, with small flower beds delineating some of the parking
spaces. Forton Lake marks the southern boundary of the site, and the area of the site immediately adjacent to this
is largely waste ground with several mature trees. Along the western periphery of the site are some structures
which appear early 20th century in date and largely derelict. On the western side of the site there is small kink in
the site boundary, and this area is covered in gorse, and has two small brick buildings as well as the concrete
footings of some previous building. The defensive earthworks of Priddy’s Hard, which is a Scheduled Ancient
Monument, delineates the western boundary of the site. Many of the museum buildings, which are located on the
eastern perimeter of the site, date from the earliest phase of Priddy’s Hard, and are Listed Buildings.
The development area is centred on NGR, SU 6135 0125, and is located on plateau gravel (BGS 1976). It is
at a height of approximately 5m above Ordnance Datum.
Planning background and development proposals
Planning permission is being sought from Gosport Borough Council, for a mixed use development scheme
including detailed proposals for 198 residential apartments.
1
Archaeology and Planning (PPG 16 1990) provides guidance relating to archaeology within the planning
process. It points out that where a desk-based assessment has shown that there is a strong possibility of
significant archaeological deposits in a development area it is reasonable to provide more detailed information
from a field evaluation so that an appropriate strategy to mitigate the effects of development on archaeology can
be devised:
Paragraph 21 states:
‘Where early discussions with local planning authorities or the developer’s own research indicate
that important archaeological remains may exist, it is reasonable for the planning authority to
request the prospective developer to arrange for an archaeological field evaluation to be carried
out...’
Should the presence of archaeological deposits be confirmed further guidance is provided. Archaeology and
Planning stresses preservation in situ of archaeological deposits as a first consideration as in paragraphs 8 and
18.
Paragraph 8 states:
‘...Where nationally important archaeological remains, whether scheduled or not, and their
settings, are affected by proposed development there should be a presumption in favour of their
physical preservation...’
Paragraph 18 states:
‘The desirability of preserving an ancient monument and its setting is a material consideration in
determining planning applications whether that monument is scheduled or unscheduled...’
However, for archaeological deposits that are not of such significance it is appropriate for them to be ‘preserved
by record’ (i.e., fully excavated and recorded by a competent archaeological contractor) prior to their destruction
or damage.
Paragraph 25 states:
‘Where planning authorities decide that the physical preservation in situ of archaeological remains
is not justified in the circumstances of the development and that development resulting in the
destruction of the archaeological remains should proceed, it would be entirely reasonable for the
planning authority to satisfy itself ... that the developer has made appropriate and satisfactory
provision for the excavation and recording of remains.’
The Hampshire County Structure Plan (Review) 1996-2011 Deposit Draft provides further guidance on this:
Policy E13 states
‘Development will not be permitted where it adversely affects nationally important sites and
monuments, and their settings, whether scheduled or not.’
Policy E14 states;
‘Where an archaeological site or monument is affected by development there will be a
presumption in favour of its physical preservation in situ and continuing management, where
2
appropriate. Where physical preservation in situ is not practical or possible, local planning
authorities will seek to ensure that provision is made, in advance of development, for an
appropriate level of investigation and recording. Where development might affect land of
archaeological potential, the local planning authorities may also require developers to arrange for
an archaeological evaluation to be carried out prior to the determination of a planning application.’
The Gosport Borough Local Plan Review (GBLPR) First Deposit (2002) takes a similar view. PolicyR/BH7
concerning Archaeology and Ancient Monuments states;
Development will not be permitted which adversely affects important Archaeological sties,
whether scheduled or not, or their setting.
Applications likely to affect Archaeological Sites should be accompanied by an assessment of their
value prepared by an appropriate qualified person and approved by the Borough Council in
advance of any formal determination of the relevant application.
Where preservation is not possible or feasible appropriate provision will be required for a
programme of investigation and recording to an acceptable standard prior to the commencement of
the development.
In addition the locality of the development must be considered and whether it is likely to have an impact
on the setting or surrounding listed buildings. Policy R/BH3 of the GBLPR 2002 states;
When considering an application that would affect a Listed Building and would result in any of the
following:
i.
its alterations or extension
ii.
a change of use
iii.
a change to its setting
the applicant will be required to demonstrate, through the submission of the full details of the
likely impact, that the historic and architectural character of the building and its setting have not
been adversely affected.
Finally the site is located within a Conservation Area as indicated by the GBLPR Proposals Map, 2002.
Guidance is given in the GLPR on developing within Conservation Areas. Policy R/BH1 states:
Proposals for development in a conservation Area will be permitted provided that:
i)
the location, form, scale, density, height, layout and external appearance preserve or
enhance the special architecture or historic character or appearance of the Conservation
area:
ii)
the proposed use is in accordance with the provisions of a Conservation Area Action Plan
or other relevant Supplementary Planning Guidance;
iii)
it would not prejudice the setting and surroundings of a Conservation Area or be
detrimental to inward or outward views.
iv)
Sufficient detail has been provided to enable the full impact of the proposal to be
determined and that the detailed design of the proposal, including materials, respects the
historic or architectural character of the area.
Policy R/BH2 states;
Proposals for consent to demolish a building in a Conservation Area will be permitted provided
that:
i)
the building does not contribute to the character of the area;
ii)
the building is of no historic or architectural interest or is wholly beyond repair and is not
capable of reasonably beneficial use; and
3
iii)
detailed proposals have been approved for the redevelopment of the site and consent will
then be conditional on a contract for the approved development work being let prior to
any demolition work being undertaken
Methodology
The assessment of the site was carried out by the examination of pre-existing information from a number of
sources recommended by the Institute of Field Archaeologists paper ‘Standards in British Archaeology’ covering
desk-based studies. These sources include historic and modern maps, the Hampshire Sites and Monuments
Record, geological maps and any relevant publications or reports.
Archaeological background
General background
There is very little evidence for the area around the site prior to the development of the Priddy’s Hard. The town
is not mentioned in the either the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles or Domesday Book. The earliest record of the town is
in 1250 where it is named as Goseport, which most likely refers to a ‘market town where geese are sold’ (Mills
1998). The town was at this time only a small market town and port, with much of the town's income obtained,
unsurprisingly, from fishing. The town was recorded in the 16th century as a fisherman’s village, with ship
building and sail making among some of its other industries, however essentially by the 17th century it remained
a small port and market town (Lambert 2003).
Hampshire Sites and Monuments Record
A search of the Hampshire Sites and Monuments Records (SMR) was made on the 25th February 2004, covering
a 1km radius around the site. This revealed 56 entries within close proximity to the site. No entries lay within the
development area itself. The results from this search are listed in Appendix 1, and summarized below, their
location are plotted on Figure 1.
Prehistoric, Roman and Saxon
There are no entries relating to these periods.
Medieval
There is only one entry for this period, and this refers to a watermill, which is mentioned in the charter of Prior
Andrew (1239–43). The presence of a mill is also recorded on Taylor’s map of Hampshire 1759. There is no
trace of the mill today [Fig 1: 1].
4
Post medieval
The majority of entries for the site refer to this period. To the south of the site is recorded part of the ‘Gosport
Lines’ [2]. This consists of an earthwork designed to defend Portsmouth from land attacks. The structure was
begun in 1678 and modernized in the 19th century. On the north western perimeter of the site, further earthwork
fortifications are present [9]. These were constructed around 1757 to protect the naval installations around
Portsmouth harbour, and comprise a mound 6m in height enclosed by a moat 4.5m in depth. This site is a
Scheduled Ancient Monument.
There is an entry for Priddy’s Hard Dockyard itself [3]. The site was used for the ordnance facilities of
Portsmouth naval dockyard from the late 18th century onwards. Two Officer’s Gardens are recorded at Priddy’s
Hard dockyard [3; 25]. To the north east of the site is a Wet Dock, built between 1771-1773 [4], and
immediately adjacent to the Wet Dock, three storehouses are recorded, 19th century in date [5; 6], and an 18th
century administrative building [7]. On the south eastern edge of the site a magazine and enclosing traverse
retaining wall, built in 1887, are recorded [8]. Similarly to the north of the site is a magazine and enclosing
traverse walls, built around 1879. This is a Grade II listed building [18]. The traverse wall to ‘E’ magazine [19]
is also a Grade II listed building.
St Vincent’s Barracks built in 1847, is located to the south west of the site [20], and St George’s Barracks,
constructed in 1857–9 are to the south [21]. To the south east of Priddy’s Hard, is Burrow Island, upon which is
situated Fort James, a late 17th century redoubt, built to enhance the defences to Portsmouth Harbour [23]. Also
from Burrow Island some modern building material has been noted in the cliffs and on the shore, however no
structures have been identified, and also from the shore, a piece of slag and clay crucible have also been
retrieved. A modern rough stone wall has also been recorded on Burrow Island [23].
The Royal Clarence Victually Yard [22], established in 1828, is located to the south of the site, and was
utilized as a naval storehouse. From here is recorded a cooperage, built in 1767 [10], a 19th century abattoir and
cattle pen [11], two officer’s buildings and the porter’s lodge built in 1831 [13], and the entrance to the yard, a
triumphal arch, built in 1830-31 [12].
A searchlight battery is noted to the west, at Hardway [14], and to the south of this the site of a military
cemetery is recorded [15] and the location of ‘old lime kilns’ [16]. The site of an old boatyard and slipway are
recorded to the south of the site [17]. Immediately to the south, was an embrasured wall, now demolished, which
5
is believed to be 19th century in date. During WWII the embrasures were filled in and modern fittings were
attached to the wall [24].
Modern
There are several entries for this period. An embrasured wall, built during WWII, is recorded [24], as is the
location of 4 Pillboxes, located to the north and west of Priddy’s Hard [27; 28; 29; 30].
The majority of entries for this period relate to wrecks. Three of the ships are identified; the ‘Whip’ [32],
the Mohecan, which was a vessel purchased for timber, and beached, to the north east of the site, around 1919
[33], the ‘Venevelle’ a fishing boat from Mousehole in Cornwall, abandoned shortly after WWII [34] and MFV
Lauren [38]. The other wrecks included a WWII wooden Minesweeper [35], an iron riveted barge [6] and an iron
welded barge [36], which are all located close to Priddy’s Hard. To the south in Forton Lake is recorded a
wooden-hulled vessel, which has been extensively salvaged for timber [37], the remains of a wooden
minesweeper and a second wooden vessel adjacent to it [39]. At the slipway in Forton Lake, a hull, or hulls [40],
has been identified and an iron barge [41]. Close to the barge is the wreck of an ex Royal Navy Steam Pinnace
and boiler [41]. From the southern shore of the Forton Lake a welded box section of steel hull has been
identified, as well as the bow of the wooden carver hull, and the remains of a four post ferry [42]. Three phases
of archaeological work have taken place within Priddy’s Hard. One of these was a watching brief which only
recorded superficial deposits [43], and another was a small scale evaluation which revealed earlier phases of the
entrance to the fort [44]. A third project was a more extensive watching brief during the digging of various
service trenches which examined several locations on and adjacent to the proposal site [45]. One of the trenches
examined followed the north- south access road along the eastern side of the site. The watching brief observed a
range of post-medieval and modern foundations, but with no finds or deposits of earlier date. The same
document also reported on the recording of several buildings prior to their demolition.
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
The red line boundary of the planning application area includes the Scheduled Ancient Monument which
represents the 18th century earthwork fortifications at Priddy's Hard (SAM 20210). However, the Scheduled
Ancient Monument will lie beyond the western boundary of the land proposed for the mixed use development
site and does not form any part of the redevelopment proposal. The impact of any development on the Scheduled
Ancient Monument would need to be considered, including any impact on the landscape setting and visibility of
the defences.
6
Cartographic and documentary sources
A range of Ordnance Survey and other historical maps of the area were consulted at Hampshire Record Office in
order to ascertain what activity had been taking place throughout the site’s later history and whether this may
have affected any possible archaeological deposits within the proposal area (see Appendix 2).
The earliest map available of the area is Saxton’s map of Hampshire, 1575 (Fig. 3). At this time there is no
real settlement at Gosport, however the presence of a church is recorded in the area. No detail is available for the
site at this time. A Chart of Portsmouth Harbour 1665 (Fig. 4) shows the area around the site in much more
detail. Gosport, which is called Gosseport at this time, is show as a small settlement clustered around the
peninsula. To the north of the town is Forton Lake, which is recorded as Forthen Mill Lake at this time, which
feeds Forthen Mill located at its western end. The site is situated on the northern side of the lake but is
undeveloped at this time; the area is labelled as Brickill, most likely recording the presence of a brick kiln
nearby. De Gomme’s map of 1668 (Fig. 5) illustrates the major changes occurring around Gosport. By the mid
17th century the town has been enclosed by substantial earthworks, and a redoubt is marked on the map on the
eastern edge of the town. The settlement itself has also developed further and appears to be laid in a more regular
pattern. To the north of the town a mill is marked on the map which is presumably Forton Mill, and although not
named. Forton Lake is also recorded. Close to the mouth of the lake a ‘ridout upon the little Eyland’ is recorded,
which is the Fort James redoubt, on Burrow Island. The island is connected to the mainland by a thin causeway.
The site at this time is undeveloped. Lempiere’s map of 1716 (Fig. 6) again highlights the development of the
town of Gosport, as well as Portsmouth, on the opposite side of the harbour. To the north of the town Forton lake
is noted as is the mill. To the south-east of the site the previously recorded redoubt on the island is recorded as
Burrough Fort. However, as before, the site has remained undeveloped.
By 1757, according to Desmaretz’ plan of Gosport (Fig. 7), the area of the site is recorded as being
enclosed by earthworks. These defences do not mirror the exact layout of the existing defences and it is likely
that this map is actually illustrating a proposed layout for the earthworks. In addition to the earthworks two
buildings are also recorded on this map. The earliest phase of development at Priddy’s Hard is recorded around
1770’s therefore these buildings may also represent proposed development. According to an early Ordnance
Survey map of Portsmouth, 1773 (Fig. 8) Priddy’s Hard is now named. One rectangular building is recorded
7
within the enclosed area and close to the building what appears to be a jetty now exists. The actual area of the
site however is still undeveloped. Mackenzie’s map of 1784, which is of slightly poorer quality, shows only the
development of one additional building within Priddy’s Hard, however again at this time the area of the site has
remained undeveloped.
A Board of Ordnance drawing, 1829 (Fig. 9) provides greater detail for development at Priddy’s Hard. The
rectangular building recorded on the previous maps is labelled as the Magazine and a Camber and Rolling Way
are connected to this building. Other buildings recorded at this time include a Cooperage, labourers’ cottages, an
Officer’s House with stables and engine house to rear, and to the west of the officer’s house is a large area of
formal gardens. The majority of the buildings recorded on this map are located outside the development area
with the exception of the Officer’s house and formal gardens.
The First Edition Ordnance Survey of 1870 (Fig. 10) indicates further development both on and around the
site. To the south of Priddy’s Hard, and to the north of the town of Gosport, the land is now utilized by the navy
as a victualling yard. A ferry route appears to connect Priddy’s Hard with the yard to the south. On the site itself
a few more buildings have been constructed. The Officer’s House appears to have a formal garden to the front
and rear, with several smaller buildings located to the west of the house. However the majority of the site is still
largely undeveloped land. The 1898 and 1910 Ordnance Survey maps show no detail for the site at all. The
outline of the site is recorded but no details of buildings are shown. A plan of Priddy’s Hard dating from 1914
(Fig. 11) provides more detail for the area. On the eastern perimeter of Priddy’s Hard more buildings have been
constructed, many of which still exist today. On the site itself, the Officer’s Residence appears to have expanded
slightly, and is still surrounded by areas of formal gardens. Several smaller buildings are also located close to the
western boundary. A plan of the site dating to 1920 shows a similar level of development, with the addition of a
few smaller buildings, mostly store rooms close to the western edge of the site, as does the 1922 Ordnance
Survey plan. The 1933 Ordnance Survey map has no detail for Priddy’s Hard, however it does show detail for
the Royal Clarence Victualling Yard.
No other maps were available from between 1933 until 1986 (Fig. 12), although an aerial photograph taken
in 1947 shows the site (Fig. 14). By 1986 the Officer’s Residence has been demolished. It is known that the
building was demolished in 1952 (Semark 1977), and that the house also had a substantial basement. The 1986
map does record several more buildings on the site including a canteen, a printers shop, ammunition label store
and a gas decontamination station; this building appears to be surrounded by earthworks. Of some note on this
8
map is an below-ground air-raid shelter. A plan of the shelter indicates that it was a substantial building,
designed to accommodate approximately 50 people. The air raid shelter was demolished in 2000.
Historical sources
Recent detailed historical assessment of the site and its structures has taken place (Evans 2000; 2001) and much
of this summary is based on this earlier work. The land to the north of Gosport was purchased in 1750 from Jane
Priddy, and by 1759 a fort was constructed on the site (Lambert 2003). The earliest phase of Priddy’s Hard spans
from around 1769–1843 and the buildings dating to this phase include the original Magazine, which now forms
part of the Museum on site. The Camber and other structures such as the offices, storehouse and the Cooperage
also date from this period. The earthworks enclosing the area also appear to have been constructed around this
time. By the mid 19th century a laboratory was constructed at Priddy’ Hard along with several other buildings
including cottages for the laboratory workers and the roll way close to the Camber. In general, however,
development remained focussed on the north-eastern corner of the site. By 1856 a Shell Filling System was
developed and also during this phase a block of buildings, situated close to the south-western boundary and
within the development area, were constructed. This block, which is still present today, was put up c.1860 and
was designed as accommodation for Messengers, Foremen and Police Sergeants with an Artificers’ Shop at the
north end. The usage of these buildings appears to have changed several times throughout their history.
During the late 19th century and early 20th century the site at Priddy’s Hard expanded considerably beyond
the confines of the earthwork defences and the Shell Filling System was relocated to the north-west, with a range
of Shell Filling Rooms being constructed and enclosed in bund walls.
During the First World War the site expanded further and became more involved in explosives handling.
During this phase further development occurred outside the main site but a few extra buildings were constructed
within the development area. These included some small store rooms and a larger store for inflammables,
constructed in 1917, but now demolished. From the end of the First World War onwards the site went into a
decline, and much of the development on the site was of a very temporary nature, many of these temporary
structures were located within the development area, but have since been demolished. During this later period
several air raid shelters were constructed on the site, including an underground one for the officers (Evans 2000;
2001).
Geotechnical test pits
9
A site investigation carried out by Clayton, Bostock Hill and Rigby (1989) which incorporates the site at
Priddy’s Hard recorded approximately 17 trial pits across the site, the results of these are listed in Appendix 3
and displayed on Fig. 13.
The majority of the test pits recorded between 0.30-1.00m of made ground, mostly black or brown soil with
brick or other pieces of modern debris. In virtually all the test pits a yellow/orange gravelly sand (Plateau
gravels) was recorded between 0.30 to over 1m in depth. In one test pit (No 174) a layer of blue silty sand
containing broken concrete pipe was recorded at a depth of 2.10m suggesting a large quantity of made ground in
this area.
Listed buildings
There are no listed buildings on the site, however immediately to the north of the site is the magazine, now part
of the Museum of Naval Firepower, and the enclosing traverse walls, both of which are Grade II listed buildings.
Registered Parks and Gardens; Registered Battlefields
There are no registered parks and gardens, or registered battlefields located within close proximity to the site.
Aerial Photographs
An aerial photo of the site dating to 29th July 1947 obtained from the Museum of Naval Firepower located at
Priddy’s Hard shows the Officer’s Residence surrounded by formal gardens (Fig. 13). To the west of the house
close to the western perimeter of the site are several buildings but the majority of the site appears to be covered
by trees.
Discussion
In considering the archaeological potential of the study area, various factors must be taken into account,
including previously recorded archaeological sites, previous land-use and disturbance and future land-use
including the proposed development.
A survey of the archaeological and historical evidence suggests that, prior to the usage of the site for
defensive and military purposes, very little activity occurred in the area. There is no evidence in the SMR of any
pre-medieval occupation in the area and the medieval activity which is recorded is very limited. The test pits dug
across the site do not record areas of alluvium or waterlogged deposits which may mask earlier activity, and as
10
the site is situated outside of a historically developed urban setting, any archaeology, if present, would be of
quite low density and with no vertical accumulation. A watching brief during service laying examined a long
transect of the site without recording any finds or deposits pre-dating post-medieval times.
This lack of activity within the development area is also substantiated by the cartographic evidence, which
indicates that prior to the construction of the defensive earthworks (which are a Scheduled Ancient Monument)
and associated buildings very little development had occurred on the site. Even with the establishment of
Priddy’s Hard the development area remained relatively free of structures until around the early 19th century
when the Officer’s Residence was established. This structure has since been demolished but it is known that the
building had a large basement area which would have severely truncated any below ground deposits. Similarly a
substantial below-ground air-raid shelter is know to have survived on the site which would have had a similar
impact on any archaeological deposits if any had existed.
Presently the development area has been largely cleared of all buildings apart from a block constructed in
the late 19th century which still exists close to the south-western boundary of the site. If these buildings are to be
altered or destroyed by any future development on the site then it may be considered worthwhile to record them
prior to this. However, this desk top has identified a wealth of information already recorded about the Priddy’s
Hard site and therefore no further work may be warranted.
As indicated, the site is considered as of a low archaeological potential. If further groundworks are to take
place such as test pits, the monitoring of these may provide some information about earlier deposits, if they exist
and have survived the extensive development in the sites more recent history. The area of development is of a
moderate size and this statistically increases the chances of some archaeology being present. However, extensive
research, recording and some field observation have already been carried out with no suggestion that
undiscovered deposits exist.
References
BGS, 1976, British Geological Survey, Isle of Wight special sheet (parts of 344,345, 330,331), solid and drift
edition, 1:50,000, Keyworth
Barnes, I, 2000a, Summary report on an archaeological evaluation at Priddy’s Hard Navel Museum, Southern
Archaeological Services report 198, Southampton
Barnes, I, 2000b, Summary report on an archaeological watching brief on groundworks around the East
magazine, Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, Southern Archaeological Services report 199, Southampton
Evans, D, 2000, ‘Priddy’s Hard: The Development of the Buildings. A Historical Account and Gazetteer of the
Priddy’s Hard Magazine system’, English Heritage, London
Evans, D, 2001, ‘Priddy’s Hard: A Historical Assessment, Gosport
GBLPR, 2002, Gosport Borough Local Plan Review, First Deposit, Gosport
Lambert, T, 2003, A History of Gosport, http://www.geocities.com/localhistories/gosport.html
PPG16, 1990, Dept of the Environment Planning Policy Guidance 16, Archaeology and Planning, HMSO
11
SAS, 2001, Report on the archaeological watching brief and building recording at the former RNAD Priddy’s
Hard, Southern Archaeological Services report 176, Southampton
Semark, H, W, 1977, The Royal Naval Armament Depots of Priddy’s Hard, Elson, Frater and Bedenham
(Gosport, Hampshire) 1768 to 1977, Hampshire
12
APPENDIX 1: Sites and Monuments Records within a 1km search radius of the development site
No
1
SMR Ref
19289
Grid Ref (SU)
60873 00655
Type
Structure
Period
Medieval
2
19298
61450 00500
Structure
Post medieval
3
33512
35761
61500 01200
61500 01200
Structure
Garden
Post medieval
Post medieval
4
33515
61680 01270
Structure
Post medieval
5
7
8
33517
33519
33521
53062
33525
33526
61660 01270
61660 01280
61680 01240
61703 01247
61680 01180
61450 01010
Structure
Structure
Structure
Wreck
Structure
Structure
Post medieval
Post medieval
Post medieval
Modern
Post medieval
Post medieval
9
33527
61490 01210
Structure
Post medieval
10
11
12
33529
33533
33534
61700 00420
61830 00740
61630 00510
Structure
Structure
Structure
Post medieval
Post medieval
Post medieval
13
33535
61660 005500
Structure
Post medieval
14
15
41704
42146
60800 01300
60934 00785
Structure
Structure
Post medieval
Post medieval
16
42152
60808 00655
Structure
Post medieval
17
18
55067
6439
61084 00681
61533 01274
Structure
Structure
Post medieval
Post medieval
19
20
51163
17566
61521 01302
60960 00470
Structure
Structure
Post medieval
Post medieval
21
22
17567
17568
61580 00450
61750 00600
Structure
Structure
Post medieval
Post medieval
23
19264
62040 00800
Structure
Post medieval
19265
62040 00800
Find spot
Modern
19266
62040 00800
Find spot
Undated
19267
62040 00800
Find spot
Unknown
24
50334
61717 00827
Structure
25
50332
52342
61718 00831
61600 01000
Site
Garden
26
50333
61700 00820
Fieldwork
Post
medieval/Modern
Modern
Post
medieval/modern
Negative
27
28
29
30
31
24401
24402
24403
24404
50335
61300 01800
61100 01100
61200 01600
61200 01700
61070 01300
Structure
Structure
Structure
Structure
Fieldwork
Modern
Modern
Modern
Modern
Modern
32
53058
61362 01982
Wreck
Modern
33
53059
61813 01456
Wreck
Modern
6
13
Comment
Mill is mentioned in charter of Prior Andrew (123943)
Part of Gosport Lines defending Portsmouth from
land attack from the west. Begun an earthwork in
1678 and modernized in the 19th century.
Priddy’s Hard Dockyard
Officer’s Gardens marked on the 1910 Ordnance
Survey
Wet Dock. A basin was built at Priddy’s Hard
between 1771-73
Storehouse, late 19th -early 20th century
Storehouse
Storehouse
Iron riveted barge
18th century administrative building
A ready use magazine and enclosing traverse
retaining wall built in 1887
Part of 18th century fortifications built to protect the
naval installations around Portsmouth Harbour.
SAM
Cooperage built in c1767
19th century abattoir and cattle pen
A triumphal arch built in 1830-31 as the entrance to
the Royal Clarence victually yard.
Two officers houses and the porter’s lodge
completed in 1831
Searchlight Battery
Military cemetery marked on First Edition Ordnance
Survey map
Lime kiln as shown on First Edition Ordnance
Survey
Site of boatyard and slipway
Grade II listed. Magazine and enclosing traverse
wall. Constructed in 1879, some of wall possibly
earlier.
Traverse walls to ‘E’ magazine. Grade II listed
St Vincent’s Barracks, built in 1847 for Royal
Marines
St George’s Barracks, built in 1857-9
Naval storehouse. The Royal Clarence Victualling
Yard
Fort James. 17th century redoubt sited on Burrow
Island in Portsmouth Harbour.
Miscellaneous building material is visible in the
cliffs and o the shore of Burrow Island
Piece of iron slag found on the shore of Burrow
Island
Clay crucible, probably medieval or later, found on
the shore of Burrow Island
Embrasured wall recorded prior to demolition. The
wall was modified during WWII.
A WWII embrasured building, now destroyed
Officer’s gardens of the 1860’s and rampart walks.
Fieldwork carried out prior to the construction of the
Millennium Bridge. No archaeology was
encountered.
Pillbox.
Pillbox
Pillbox
Pillbox
Watching brief conducted during groundworks
identified no archaeological deposits. However it did
demonstrate that extensive landscaping had occurred
over the last 200 years.
Shipwreck, lying on a mud flat. Has name ‘Whip’ on
brow and stern
Shipwreck. Recently exposed above mud level.
Vessel was purchased for timber and was beached
No
SMR Ref
Grid Ref (SU)
Type
Period
34
53060
61215 01790
Wreck
Modern
35
36
37
38
39
53061
53063
53065
53066
53067
53068
53069
53070
53071
61307 01703
61895 01264
61561 00830
61269 00881
61174 00890
61159 00894
61128 00711
61149 00724
61155 00735
Wreck
Wreck
Wreck
Wreck
Wreck
Wreck
Wreck
Wreck
Wreck
Modern
Modern
Modern
Modern
Modern
Modern
Modern
Modern
Modern
53072
53073
53074
53078
-
61176 00745
61179 00762
61195 00749
62091 00744
6173 0115
6158 0130
6165 0125
Wreck
Wreck
Wreck
Structure
Negative
Entrance
Various
footings
Modern
Modern
Modern
Modern
Post-Medieval
Post-medieval and
modern
40
41
42
43
44
45
14
Comment
here about 1919 and cut down to water. Ship called
‘Mohecan’
Vessel reported to be remains of ‘Venevelle’, a
fishing boat from Mousehole in Cornwall,
abandoned in this location shortly after WWII
WWII wooden Minesweeper
Iron Welded Barge
Wooden hulled vessel
Remains of MFV Lauren
Wooden Minesweeper
Wooden vessel
Hull, or hulls, buried beside slipway at Forton Lake
Iron barge at slipway, Forton Lake
Ex royal navy steam Pinnace and boiler at Forton
Lake
Welded box section of a steel hull
Wooden carver
Four poster ferry
Rough stone wall, Burrow Island
Watching brief (Barnes 2000b)
Evaluation (Barnes 2000a)
Watching brief and building recording (SAS 2001)
APPENDIX 2: Historic and modern maps consulted
1575
1665
1668
1716
1757
1773
1829
1870
1898
1910
1914
1920
1921
1933
1986
Saxton’s map of Hampshire
Chart of Portsmouth Harbour
De Gomme’s map of Portsmouth Harbour
Lempiere’s map of Portsmouth Harbour
Desmaretz’ Plan of Gosport with proposed entrenchment
Portsea Island Ordnance Office
Board of Ordnance Drawing
First Edition Ordnance Survey
Edition ordnance Survey
Edition ordnance Survey
Plan of 1914
Plan of 1920
Edition Ordnance Survey
Edition Ordnance Survey
Plan of Priddy’s Hard
15
APPENDIX 3: Geotechnical data
16
02000
32
34
30
27
35
SITE
29
SITE
33
19
14
31
18 44 5
9
4
36
6
3
7
43
28
45
8
01000
25
39
40
24
37
41
15
16
38
23
26
11
42
17
1
22
13
2
20
12
21
10
00000
SU61000
Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, Hampshire, 2004
Archaeological desk-based assessment
Figure 1. Location of site within Gosport and
Hampshire.
Reproduced from Ordnance Survey Pathfinder 1304 SU60/70 1:12500
Ordnance Survey Licence AL52324A0001
62000
PHG04/20
SITE
PHG04/20
Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, Hampshire, 2004
Archaeological desk-based assessment
Figure 2. Plan of site
SITE
PHG04/20
Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, Hampshire, 2004
Archaeological desk-based assessment
Figure 3. Saxton’s map of Hampshire, 1575
Approximate
location of site
PHG04/20
Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, Hampshire, 2004
Archaeological desk-based assessment
Figure 4. Chart of Portsmouth Harbour, 1665
Approximate
location of site
PHG04/20
Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, Hampshire, 2004
Archaeological desk-based assessment
Figure 5. De Gomme’s map of Portsmouth Harbour,
1668
Approximate
location of site
PHG04/20
Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, Hampshire, 2004
Archaeological desk-based assessment
Figure 6. Lempiere’s map of Portsmouth Harbour,
1716
SITE
PHG04/20
Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, Hampshire, 2004
Archaeological desk-based assessment
Figure 7. Desmaretz’ Plan of Gosport with proposed
entrenchement, 1757
SITE
PHG04/20
Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, Hampshire, 2004
Archaeological desk-based assessment
Figure 8. Portsea Island
Ordnance Office, 1773
N
SITE
PHG04/20
Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, Hampshire, 2004
Archaeological desk-based assessment
Figure 9. Board of Ordnance Drawing, 1829
SITE
PHG04/20
Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, Hampshire, 2004
Archaeological desk-based assessment
Figure 10. First Edition Ordnance Survey, 1870
SITE
PHG04/20
Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, Hampshire, 2004
Archaeological desk-based assessment
Figure 11. Plan of 1914
SITE
PHG04/20
Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, Hampshire, 2004
Archaeological desk-based assessment
Figure 12. Plan of Priddy’s Hard, 1986
PHG04/20
Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, Hampshire, 2004
Archaeological desk-based assessment
Figure 13. Location of test pits
PHG04/20
Priddy’s Hard, Gosport, Hampshire, 2004
Archaeological desk-based assessment
Figure 14. 29th July 1947
Reproduced courtesy of the Museum of Naval Firepower