Monument MPM1014 - Former Moat Wall

Evidence of the limestone counterscarp wall belonging to the moat that once formed part of the Post-Medieval Portsmouth town defences, recorded in 2005. The moat was infilled in the late-19th century when the defences were demolished.

Evidence of the limestone counterscarp wall belonging to the moat that once formed part of the Post-Medieval Portsmouth town defences was recorded during an excavation on the site in 2005. An archaeological investigation was carried out due to a proposed redevelopment of Gunwharf Quays. The moat had been infilled in the late-19th century when the defences were demolished.

The area was being used as a garden at the time of the excavation. A trench measuring 2.5 metres deep was excavated in the moat area to examine the fill, which mostly consisted of loosely packed gravel and soil. At the northern end of the trench a limestone alignment survived as evidence of the counterscarp wall on the outer edge of the moat. A second wall up to 2 metres below ground level appeared to be of more substance than a garden wall shown on the 1965 plans of the area. [1]

Russ Fox, 1995, H M Gunwharf Old Portsmouth Archaeological Excavation/Assessment 1995

Fox, Russ, 1995, H M Gunwharf Old Portsmouth Archaeological Excavation/Assessment 1995 (Unpublished document). SPM65.