Event/Activity EPM237 - Inspection & Photographic Survey of Milton Lock Entrance Posts, Langstone Harbour

The Hampshire & Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology conducted an inspection and survey of two sets of wooden piles at the entrance to Milton Lock on the 3rd December 2003. The work was carried out prior to the reduction of the piles in height to the level of the foreshore (approximately 0.20m) as they were considered a hazard to navigation. The piles are associated with the lock entrance and are in two groups, one on the north and one on the south side of the entrance. At the time of the survey the piles on the south side stood at between 0.50m and 1.3m in height. Those on the north side had been reduced to a height of approximately 0.10m before the survey took place. The inspection concentrated on the group of piles on the south side and consisted of a walkover survey of the immediate area and a photographic record being taken of each pile. It was recommended that a further photographic survey be undertaken after the piles had been reduced, and that this should be done before there was any significant marine growth or biological attack on the cut faces. It was observed that the tree ring and ray sequence had been revealed on two piles that had been cut prior to the survey taking place, and therefore more information about the trees used in their construction could be obtained. It was also recommended that if the piles were to be further removed once a more detailed survey to record their relative positions, size and shape be undertaken.