Monument MPM2058 - Possible sea defence and slipway, Spur Redoubt

The remains of a revetment wall, associated slipway and possible quay side recorded during a watching brief within the area of Spur Redoubt as part of the Southsea Coastal Defence Scheme between 2021 and 2023.

The remains of a revetment wall, associated slipway and possible quay side were recorded during a watching brief within the area of Spur Redoubt as part of the Southsea Coastal Defence Scheme between 2021 and 2023.

The remains of a solid curved limestone revetment wall were recorded on the east and west sides of Spur Redoubt. This wall was thought to form part of 18th century sea defences shown on a map of 1744. The wall was constructed from irregular limestone blocks laid in irregular courses. The section of wall on the eastern side of the redoubt curved slightly to the north and east and butted up to the redoubts outer wall. The wall then continued in a sinuous line going away from the redoubt on its western side. A jetty with a stone walkway leading south (surface 117) had been inserted into the wall part way along on the western side of the redoubt. On the western side of the jetty the revetment wall was abutted by two supporting piers on its south side. Immediately north of this section of the revetment wall was another floor surface (surface 109). Both floor surfaces 117 and 109 had been constructed from stone slabs up to 0.25m thick and had metal fastenings which may have been used to secure boats. They appeared to have been used to access the quay side.

The watching brief concluded that the revetment wall appeared to have been used as both a sea defence and to provide easier access to the beach. The stone walkway on the western side of the redoubt sloped down to form a slipway, possibly with mooring at high tide on its west side. The small size of the revetment wall suggests that it would have only provided a moderate defence, possibly being used to break up and reduce the impact of the sea.

[1]

During the 19th or early 20th century the revetment wall and slipway/jetty were covered by a sloped masonry surface/apron that acted as a sea defence between the Saluting Platform and Spur Redoubt. The apron surface extended up to a concrete revetment wall and a ramp walkway that followed the line of the Long Curtain seaward wall. The 18th century sea defences and slipway were revealed after the apron, revetment wall and ramp were removed during coastal defence work in 2020.

[2]

<1> Williams, Rachel & Tuck, Ashley, 2023, Southsea Coastal Defence Scheme Sub Frontage 1, Southsea, Hampshire: Archaeological Watching Brief (Unpublished document). SPM643.

<2> Flood, Grace, 2024, Southsea Coastal Defence Scheme Sub Frontage 1, Southsea, Hampshire: Historic Building Record (Unpublished document). SPM662.