Event/Activity EPM228 - Ground Probing Radar Survey Mary Rose Centre, H.M. Naval Base, Portsmouth

A trial Ground Probing Radar survey was carried out by Structure Testing Services Limited within the accessible areas of Dry Dock No. 3 (Mary Rose), Portsmouth Dockyard, on the 13th August 1991. The work was commissioned due to proposals to erect a new Mary Rose ship hall around the dock. Previous investigations within the area (boreholes and trial pits) had revealed the presence of a concrete and masonry obstruction on the north side of the dock*. This was thought to have possibly been a foundation block for mechanical equipment previously located on the site. The purpose of the survey was to identify the extent of the obstruction and any additional concrete obstructions around the perimeter of the dock. The survey was conducted within five areas around the perimeter of the south, north and east side of the dock using a GSSI SIR 3 Sub-surface Interface Radar system incorporating a 500MHz transducer. The results of the survey were varied, and a limited number of locations for exploratory excavations were identified (see EPM228). Accession No: 2001/268 *A report on a watching brief carried out on trial pits excavated to investigate the results of the survey recorded the obstruction as a 'massive Portland stone foundation' (SPM517).