Mistley Quay wall (also known as Thorn or Allen's Quay) (EHER 3234)

19th century and earlier (possibly 18th century) quay, strengthened with massive iron chains, under present quay at Mistley. Under the present, 19th century quay, is about 3m of make-up for the building of the quay. This foundation is strengthened by enormous chains. Under the 19th century quay were remains of an earlier quay or breakwater, mostly constructed of sharpened but rough wooden stakes placed closely together like a wattle wall.

19th century and earlier (possibly 18th century) quay, strengthened with massive iron chains, under present quay at Mistley. <1> Excavations for foundations of a Scotch Derrick Crane on Mistley Quay were investigated. Under the present, 19th century quay, is about 3m of make-up for the building of the quay. This foundation is strengthened by enormous chains. Under the 19th century quay were remains of an earlier quay or breakwater, mostly constructed of sharpened but rough wooden stakes placed closely together like a wattle wall. Some sawn timber was also found, but not in situ. No finds were made, but part of the wooden construction was cleaned and photographed, and one of the stakes was removed for analysis. The wooden construction is probably part of a larger quay complex to increase the depth of the channel at Mistley, pre-dating the 19th century, but probably not by much. The shape of the construction, and the mud infill, suggests a box, open towards the east, to allow the river to silt it naturally. The quay (perhaps the sawn timbers were the remains of an upper construction mainly removed later) could be built on top of this. The 19th century quay projected over this and out into the river. <2> - <6>