Monument MPM1953 - Features, Vernon Pool, Gunwharf

A threshold stone, cobbled surface and the remains of a wall were observed during the excavation of one of the Vernon Pools (Pool C) during redevelopment work at Gunwharf Quays.

The threshold stone was observed at a depth of 1m in the middle of the pool. The stone had a dished surface and appeared to have been in its original location. It lead to a cobbled surface which had probably been laid after the threshold stone was put in place.

Approximately 2.5m to the east of the stone was a large piece of the inner core of a wall which had been robbed of its facing stones. A coin, iron nails, animal bone, pottery and a copper alloy fragment were recovered from the soil that surrounded the wall.

Two blocks of worked limestone and a second dished stone were observed between the wall and threshold stone. They were not thought to have been in their original position and may have been robbed from the wall.

A large fragment of 19th century Verwood pottery, animal bone and fragments of oyster shell were recovered from an area of ground to the west of the threshold stone that had been disturbed by a later service trench.

Gifford and Partners, 2000, Gunwharf Quays Portsmouth Results of the Archaeological Watching Brief (Unpublished document). SPM550.