Remains of 19th century tidal defences, Sadd's Wharf (EHER 82094)

Trial trenching in 2014 recorded the remains of a 19th century tidal defence structure, constructed from probable reused timbers. It may have been a temporary structure used to define the boundaries of the site before further reconsolidation would take place. A second line of timbers of a similar construction may represent a second defence. The structures were sealed by a reclamation layer, used to reclaim the marsh for industrial expansion and development - a process which was probably ongoing.

May-June 2014. Trial trenching. The evaluation encountered the remains of the former tidal defence for the site. This was revealed in Trench 2 and likely relates to successive phases of reclamation that occurred in the intertidal zone through the 19th century. It seems likely that the tidal defence was constructed to help section and drain the area that was to be reconsolidated prior to the construction of the Steam Saw Mill and its associated buildings. Analysis of the timbers noted the probable re use of the oak timbers and utilization of woodworking waste suggests a fairly lowly structure, perhaps not expected to last a long time, but fit for purpose, and perhaps patched up periodically with re used planking and timber waste that happened to be available. This description fits with a more temporary structure used to define the boundaries of the site before further reconsolidation would take place. Unfortunately dendrochronological analysis was unable to ascertain an absolute date for the construction of the tidal defence. A further monitoring area was excavated to the south east of the site which exposed another line of timbers similar in construction to the tidal defence. This structure could represent another defence structure aimed at aiding the reclamation and reconsolidation process. A reclamation layer was deposited over the site (including over the tidal defence) to reclaim the marsh for industrial expansion and development. The cartographic evidence suggests that this was an on-going process as we can see in the 1873 OS map the area has been reconsolidated and built on then 18 years later on the 1891 OS map the boundaries of the site have been extended, exceeding the line of the tidal defence and creating the current outline of the site today. <1>