Undated Old Quay, Batts Hall Dock Area (EHER 14900)

Structures associated with the old quay. This is an area of saltmarsh that has been utilised and landscaped.

This is an area of saltmarsh that has been utilised and landscaped. On the 1st edition OS map <3> this area has a quay marked on it. At present there is evidence of two rectangular cuts, U-shaped in section, one revetted with planks running in to the channel to the north. The revetting continues over the mouth of the second cut but has eroded along the side of the cut running vertically out from the nearest sea wall. Large timbers can be seen protruding out of the bank. These are the vertical cross members of a wharf structure, (its not a quay as its not built of stone). Between and over these is a layer of rammed chalk, the same technique that has been used at Landermere wharf. This has consolidated the ground here considerably and it is very firm underfoot. The hard surface continues to the south edge of the cut on the west side and appears as a mound. This may have been cut by the channel running parallel to the sea wall or there may have been a bridge of some sorts here. No chalk can be seen in cross-section, but there are a lot of flint nodules eroding out of the bank nearest the sea wall. This area has 3 major cuts, 2 rectangular and U-shaped in section but Y- shaped in plan. All have evidence of revetting and these are thought to be part of the major dock area. There is a possibility some of these are reused as oyster pits but they are probably far too large and would collect too much silt killing the oysters. <1> Slides <2> Site Assessment Important area with good physical remains and informative structures that relate to the 1st edition OS map very well. Needs full recording, research and monitoring.