Historic defences unearthed during work to protect seafront

By Fiona Callingham, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Historic defences dating as far back as the 17th century have been unearthed as part of major works to protect Portsmouth’s seafront.

Sections of defences have been discovered under the Clarence Pier playing field in Southsea.

The remains were found during topsoil stripping as workers prepared a compound area on the field for Portsmouth City Council’s £100m Southsea sea defence scheme.

Alex Godden, principal consultant for Wessex Archaeology, said: ‘The remains are highly likely to be those of the wider historic defences, constructed as part of the 17th century remodelling of Portsmouth’s earlier Tudor sea defences.

‘Research and analysis of historic mapping suggests that these remains are part of the outer moat wall, which was infilled around 1870 and then buried.

‘This outer moat formed part of the fortifications, and the above-ground remains can be seen at the Long Curtain, King’s Bastion and Spur Redoubt scheduled monument.’

The remains have been covered up to preserve them for possible future examination, with mitigation measures agreed by Historic England.

Deputy council leader and culture boss, Councillor Steve Pitt, said: ‘These finds are remarkably well preserved – and potentially nationally important – remains of Portsmouth’s historic defences that are directly related to the city’s continuing naval history and worldwide significance as a strategic port.

‘The discovery will allow archaeologists to confirm aspects of the defence designs which, until now, have only ever been seen on historic plans.’

It comes after sections of an Edwardian promenade were discovered by Southsea Castle during ground investigation work in October.

The Southsea sea defence scheme is set to protect the coastline from Old Portsmouth to Eastney.