Monument MPM2151 - Stone wall, Bandstand Field, Southsea

Stone wall observed in the Bandstand Field during a watching brief for the Southsea Coastal Defence Scheme. The wall was 4.4m long by 0.4m wide. The height to which the wall survived is unknown as it was only exposed on the surface. The wall had been constructed using irregular stone blocks bonded with a cement-based mortar. [1]

The wall was interpreted as being part of a boating pond [1]. However, historic mapping shows the boating pond was located to the west of the Bandstand Field within the area now occupied by the Blue Reef Aquarium [2]. Therefore, unless the wall represents demolition debris moved from the site of the boating pond, the structure must relate to something else if the location recorded for this feature is correct. The wall was dated to the 20th century based on the interpretation as being part of the boating pond.

<1> Williams, Rachel, 2025, Southsea Coastal Defence Scheme Sub-frontage 4, Southsea Castle, Southsea, Hampshire: Archaeological Watching Brief (Unpublished document). SPM671.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1952, Ordnance Survey Map 1952 (Map). SPM67.