Event/Activity EPM48 - Historic Dockyard Car Park, Queen Street, Portsmouth, Hampshie An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment

Desk-based assessment of the archaeological potential of the Historic Dockyard car park, Queen Street. First stage of a process to determine the presence/abscene, extent, character, quality and date of any archaeological remains that may be effected by redevelopment of the area. Very little archaeological work has been undertaken in the vicinity of the site. The area is known to have been used as agricultural land and common felds prior to the late 17th century, when houses and shops were constructed piecemeal, and the later brewery, chapel and school. It is possible that shallow gravel and clay pits existed on the site during the 17th century, but the area has been consistently built on since. Early maps suggest that any trace of 17th century buildings that may survive would be at the north-east of the site, with gardens on the western side. If they survive, they are likely to have been suverely truncated. Any earlier archaeological features are also likely to be truncated. There is a possibility that areas of the site may have been yards or gardens, or areas in between wall foundations that have not been disturbed. It is therefore possible that archaeologically sensitive areas dating from all periods may have survived in places. It is thought prudent to undertake archaeological evaluation to ascertain if any archaeological remains survive.