Event/Activity EPM56 - H M Gunwharf Old Portsmouth Archaeological Excavation/Assessment 1995

An archaeological assessment and excavation was carried out on the site of the old town defences during May 1995, in response to proposals to sell off the entire Gunwharf area for re-development. Previous excavations had shown that in effect the whole plan of Portsmouth's fortifications still exists in a researchable form below ground. A total of six trenches were excavated. The main trenches, 1-4, were cut within green areas (gardens and playing fields), bearing in mind the anticipated positions of remaining masonry. Two smaller trenches, 5 and 6, were dug within the built-up area of the site, at what were considered safe and potentially informative spots. The excavation showed that despite redevelopment, twentieth-century war damage, and subsequent levelling, evidence of the old town fortifications still exists below ground. It was considered that due to the fact that the remains were 80 centimetres or more below ground level, and could not be restored without major excavation work, the best approach was that they remained buried. It was suggested that the ground plan/outline of the works could be incorporated at ground level in any future development, as a visible link with Portsmouth's past.