Monument MPM1431 - Post-medieval field drain, Hilsea Bus Depot

An 18th/19th century field drain on a rough northeast - southwest alignment was revealed across the eastern part of the former Hilsea Bus Depot site during an archaeological evaluation and watching brief in 2013. The drain was formed from a trench which contained extruded tubular clay pipes butt-jointed together. The trench measured 800mm deep and 300mm wide and was slightly wider at the top, with a rounded base. Ceramic pipes measuring 78mm in diameter were located at the base, beneath a clay loam back fill. The length of the drain that was exposed measured 19.96m. The drain is the standard type found in this part of Hampshire.

It is possible that the drain was related to agricultural improvements on the site prior to the expansion/remodelling of the Hilsea Lines defences in 1858. Records show that the land had been rented out before construction on the new Hilsea Lines began.

Accession No: 2013/850

Anderson, E L, Russel, A D, 2014, Report on the Archaeological Evaluation and Watching Brief at the Hilsea Bus Depot site, Portsmouth (Unpublished document). SPM258.