Event/Activity EPM51 - Eastney Fort West

An archaeological assessment was undertaken by Portsmouth Museum Service at Eastney Barracks in 1994 following proposals to redevelop the site, including plans to build within the confines of Eastney Fort West. Work was carried out during early January 1994, and involved the mechanical cutting of investigatory trenches. A total of five trenches were excavated through the parade area at the rear of the fort, avoiding original 19th century embankments and ramps. Trenches 1-3 cut an area of parade ground situated mainly to the eastern side of the interior of the fort. It was thought unlikely that much evidence of military occupation would be encountered at the parade ground level due to decades of gardening activitiy on the site. Two short trenches, 4 and 5, were located in the western section of the fort. Excavation in this area was more limited due to the presence of the rampart (terreplein) embankment and gun ramps. Layers relating to the 19th and 20th century parade ground which had been disturbed by later horticultural activity were recorded across the site. Trenches in the western section of the fort suggested more modern disruption had taken place in this area and that a section of the banquette (raised step) must have been removed post-1906, and the ground subsequently reduced to main parade level. No archaeological features or artefacts were recovered trenches. The topsoil had probably been brought in from elsewhere when the fort became a garden. It was concluded that the fabric of the fort seemed to be in a fair condition, including the main walls, magazines and storage areas. It was thought that the developers intention to restore the fort to its 1906 standard would be wothwhile.