Undated timber remains of probable former wharfs, off the coast at Bradwell-on-Sea (EHER 13790)

A complex of wooden stakes and posts extending between TM 009 094 and TM 010 094. Following storm action in February 1996, the features were revealed to a greater extent and three V-shaped post-defined structures could be picked out from the timber remains. They were interpreted as probable former wharfs. It is unclear if the remaining stakes and posts are associated.

August 1993. Field visit. A complex of wooden stakes and posts extending between TM 009 094 and TM 010 094. <1> <2> <3> February 1996. Field visit. Throughout February 1996, storms and wave action scoured away large areas of sand and shingle from this inter-tidal area, revealing old land surfaces and various areas of timber stakes. A number of 'graves' were reported to the Bradwell Coastguard, by a local resident. On inspection, these roughly rectangular organic features measured between 2-5m in length and 1-3 in breadth. A sample was taken and identified by Peter Murphy as 'a detritus mud formed (on the evidence of molluscs) in an estuarine habitat. Basically it seems to be drifted debris from a nearby estuarine reedswamp.' The mud contained scraps of leaves (probably reed) and appeared to have eroded in a rectilinear pattern. In addition, areas of lower peat were visible. <4> In addition to numerous areas of occasional timber posts, three V-shaped post-defined features close to the sea wall (at roughly TM 006 092) are probably the remains of former wharfs. <4> Note: this record should be considered alongside EHER 16791 which intersects the monument at some point.