Monument MPM1550 - Foundations, former Unicorn Buildings, HMS Nelson

Foundations belonging to the former Unicorn Buildings which were in existence between c.1870-1910, recorded during a watching at the HMS Nelson site in 2013. The construction trenches had been filled with limestone rubble, possibly re-used material from the walls of the former Portsea line of defences which stood on the same site and were demolished during the 1860s.

Foundations belonging to a former street of terraced houses, Unicorn Buildings, were recorded during a watching at the HMS Nelson site in 2013. Unicorn Buildings were constructed on the site of the Portsea line of defences shortly after they were demolished in the 1860s, and are first shown on the 1870 Ordnance Survey map. They had a relatively short lifetime, having been demolished by 1910. The foundations consisted of construction trenches filled with limestone rubble, possibly re-used from the walls of the former defences. Stepped footings for brick walls had been built off concrete, reducing in stages to form brick walls. The bricks were bonded with mortar and measured 230mm long x 70mm thick x 102mm wide.

Accession No: 2013/898

Russel, A, Cottrell, P, Fedorowicz, A, 2013, Archaeological Watching Brief on land at HMS Nelson, Queen Street, Portsea, Portsmouth (Unpublished document). SPM278.