Event/Activity EPM1 - Excavations at Grand Parade

Portsmouth Museum Service carried out excavations in Grand Parade in 1972. The investigations were concentrated in an area which included part of the south west corner of the Domus Dei enclosure (a triangular shaped piece of land to the west of the Garrison Church). The excavations in the southern part of the site revealed extensive 16th century levelling, situated behind what must have been the earliest of the defensive walls. The 16th century levelling represented the earliest activity on the site, the original beach and medieval shoreline lying beneath it. 16th century soil stripping in the north of the site would have removed any earlier layers in this area. The investigations revealed out-buildings at the west end of the Garrison Church, early perimeter walls, and a 16th century tunnel. Layers belonging to the parade ground were also encountered, with evidence of temporary timber structures having been erected in this area during the early 19th century.