Event/Activity EPM131 - Archaeological Investigation at Lake House, 12 St Helens Parade, Southsea

Southern Archaeological Services carried out an archaeological field evaluation at the site of Lake House, 12 St Helens Parade, in July 2010. Lake House, a detached building with a basement and associated garages, was demolished prior to the evaluation taking place. It was proposed to redevelop the site with a five-storey building of five flats with an associated garage block and new boundary walls and gates. Three trenches were originally planned, but due to the size of the basement and the requirement to retain access to the southern side of the site, only one trench was excavated at the rear of the property (no measurements given in report). Exposed sections in the basement were recorded. The trench revealed a small area of natural stratigraphy and a large amount of modern disturbance in the form of broken foundations and infill layers. The latter probably related to the demolition of Lumps Windmill which formerly stood on the site, and the construction of the late 19th century Lake House. Modern features included a brick-lined well or soakaway. No finds were recovered, and no evidence of human activity prior to the 19th century was recorded. Accession number: 2010/464