Event/Activity EPM19 - Fort Cumberland Glacis

Excavations were carried out by Portsmouth Museum Service across earthworks on the western side of Fort Cumberland in 1988, ahead of the installation a new longer outfall at Eastney by Southern Water. Four trial trenches were excavated between the apex of the ravelin glacis and the remains of the glacis of the north west bastion. The aim of the investigation was to establish whether any remants of the landward glacis constructed between 1784-94 had survived, and whether it would be possible to reinstate its contours. The work revealed that the glacis had largely survived below ground, although there had been some modern military disturbance due to levelling etc. It was thought possible to reinstate the earthworks following construction of the outfall, and that any surplus shingle and sand produced by levelling could be used to restore robbed areas of the glacis.