D4 HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT
D4.1 GENERAL
This section reviews the heritage features along the North Solent coastline
including information on archaeological and historical elements in both the
marine and terrestrial environments. Table D4.1 presents the timeframe for
archaeological and geological periods.
Archaeological Period
Prehistoric Palaeolithic
Year
450,000-1,000BC
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
1,000–4,000 BC
4,000-2,000BC
2,000-600BC
600BC-AD43
AD43-410
AD410-1,485
AD1,485-1,900
AD1,900-present
Roman
Medieval
Post Medieval
Modern
Geological Epoch
Pleistocene (1.65M to
10,000BP)
Holocene (10,000BP to
present)
Table D4.1: Summary of Archaeological and Geological Periods
The North Solent has a rich heritage including many Listed Buildings, Scheduled
Ancient Monuments, archaeological sites and Conservation Areas. These form
and preserve an integral part of the coastal scenery and it is important to
consider both existing and potential sites when considering any future
developments on the coast.
In England only a small proportion (less than 5%) of recorded historic and
archaeological sites have statutory protection. Designated sites include:




Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Protected Shipwrecks
Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
Registered Parks and Gardens
The Government’s policy on the historic environment is set out in Planning
Guidance Note 15: Planning and the Historic Environment (PPG15) and Note 16:
Archaeology and Planning (PPG16). This guidance emphasizes the desirability
of protecting historic remains, whether designated or not. PPG16 (para.6) states
that: ‘Archaeological remains should be seen as a finite and non-renewable
resource, in many cases highly fragile and vulnerable to damage and destruction.
Appropriate management is therefore essential to ensure they survive in good
condition’.
D4.2 TERRESTRIAL
D4.2.1 Overview
This section collates the features of heritage importance in the terrestrial
environment which could potentially be at risk from tidal flooding and /or coastal
erosion over the next 100 years. Datasets and information have been supplied by
English Heritage, Hampshire and West Sussex County Council’s, Hampshire and
Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology, New Forest Park Authority, Portsmouth
and Southampton City Council and Chichester District Council. This initial
assessment provides a provisional list of sites and features which will be further
assessed and prioritised during the heritage workshop to identify important key
policy drivers and mitigation measures.
Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAM)
Scheduled ancient monuments are identified by English Heritage and are given
legal protection through the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act
1979. The North Solent coastline has 42 Scheduled Ancient Monuments which
could potentially be at risk from tidal flooding and/or coastal erosion over the next
100 years.
Conservation Areas
Conservation Areas are protected under the terms of the Town and Country
Planning Act 1990 and are designated by local planning authorities for their
special architectural or historic interest. They give a broader protection than listed
individual buildings as all the features within the area are recognised as part of its
character. The North Solent coastline has 75 Conservation Areas which could
potentially be at risk from tidal flooding and/or coastal erosion over the next 100
years.
Listed Buildings
Listed Buildings are designated by English Heritage for their architectural and/or
historic value to protect architectural heritage under under the Planning (Listed
Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Listed Buildings are graded either
Grade I, Grade II* or Grade II:



Grade I buildings are those of exceptional interest
Grade II* are particularly important buildings of more than special interest
Grade II are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them
There are over 860 Listed Buildings along the North Solent coastline which could
potentially be at risk from tidal flooding and/or coastal erosion over the next 100
years.
Registered Parks and Gardens
The Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England is
maintained by English Heritage and serves to ensure that the features and
qualities which make these landscapes of national importance can be
safeguarded through the planning process. Inclusion of an historic park or garden
on the Register does not add statutory controls but local authorities are guided
towards protecting registered parks and gardens when preparing development
plans. Within the North Solent area there are 12 nationally registered parks and
gardens.
D4.2.2 Features
Maps illustrating features of historic and archaeological importance are located in
Annex D3.6 and designated features in Annex D3.5.
West Solent
The West Solent frontage has many designated historic assets including 8
Conservation Areas, 3 nationally important Scheduled Ancient Monuments and
105 Listed Buildings. Scheduled Ancient Monuments include the nationally
important Tudor castles at Hurst and Calshot spits.
The Southern Water Archaeological Management Project (SWAMP2 2006) has
identified areas of high archaeological importance in Hampshire. In addition to
the 3 nationally designated Scheduled Ancient Monuments the project has
identified 5 other areas along this frontage. These areas include Beaulieu,
designated as a Conservation Area with 13 grade II & II* Listed Buildings and the
scheduled 13th Century Beaulieu Abbey. Pyrell Park, Exbury house and Cadland
house all listed on the national register of parks and gardens and the designated
Conservation Area at Buckler’s Hard.
Evidence for salt making facilities can be found all along this stretch of coastline,
with the largest and most extensive salterns found in the vicinity of Lymington
and Pennington.
Feature
Statutory Designated Features
Conservation Areas
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Listed Buildings
Registered Parks and Gardens
Non-Statutory Features
Parks and Gardens (HCC record)
Archaeological findspots
Monuments
Historic buildings
Salterns
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Calshot Castle
Hurst Castle and Light House
Beaulieu Abbey
Conservation Areas
Lymington (Kings Saltern)
Buckler's Hard
Milford on Sea No. 3 (Keyhaven)
Milford on Sea No. 1
Forest South East
Buckland
Beaulieu
Lymington
Registered Parks and Gardens
Exbury House
Cadland House
Pylewell Park
Number
8
3
105
3
2
15
83
8
30
Easting
Northing
448883
102488
431696
89784
438840
102605
District
New Forest
New Forest
New Forest
New Forest
New Forest
New Forest
New Forest
New Forest
Easting
Northing
442230
100108
446875
99794
435412
95880
Area (Ha)
0.4
4.1
3.1
Area (Ha)
6.3
10.5
20.0
21.5
1424.8
29.2
34.5
51.4
Grade
II*
II*
II*
Southampton Water
This frontage includes the city of Southampton an area of high archaeological
importance. The remains of the old city wall are designated as Scheduled
Ancient Monuments and the within the city 4 areas have been designated as
Conservation Areas; Old town (South & West), Canute Road and Oxford Street.
Within the city there are also numerous Listed Buildings and the nationally
registered central park.
Along the western side of Southampton Water there are 4 Conservation Areas;
Ashlet Creek, Hythe, Eling and RNAD (Marchwood Military port) which contains
many buildings of national importance. The nationally important corn mill at Eling
Creek is a rare example of a tide mill and has been designated as a Listed
Building. The Redbridge bridge on the river test is designated as a Scheduled
Ancient Monument and built on the site of a medieval bridge.
The east side of Southampton water has two Scheduled Ancient Monuments, the
remains of Netley Castle which lies within the designated Netley Abbey
Conservation Area; and St Andrews Castle remains on Hamble Common.
Between these designated sites are the registered Royal Victoria Country Park
and the listed hospital lodge.
The Itchen and Hamble rivers have several nationally important historic assets.
At Bitterne the Roman town of Clausentum is the earliest settlement on the
Itchen and is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Further up the
river Itchen the Itchen valley is designated as a Conservation Area and includes
several Listed Buildings and the registered Townhill Park. The river Hamble is
surrounded by 5 Conservation Areas and the designated Roman site near
Fairthorn. There is also evidence of several salterns along the banks of the river.
Feature
Statutory Designated Features
Conservation Areas
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Listed Buildings
Registered Parks and Gardens
Non-Statutory Features
Parks and Gardens (HCC record)
Archaeological findspots
Monuments
Historic buildings
Salterns
Number
17
14
189
3
7
15
70
16
52
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Easting
Roman Site 370M S of Fairthorn
452119
St Denys’ Priory
443615
St Andrews’s Castle and remains
448121
Redbridge old bridges
436954
Netley Castle
445138
Bitterne (Clausentum) Roman Station
443424
In Southampton City
Town Wall: Gods House Gate and Tower
442098
Town Wall: Section between Bugle St and
Bugle tower
441823
Town Wall: The Water Gate, High St
441975
Town Wall: section between Simnel St and
site of Bulge tower
441782
Town Wall: Section between Bugle St and
441796
Northing
111854
114149
106115
113695
108844
113352
Area (Ha)
2.124
0.048
21.105
0.062
0.012
2.507
110933
0.036
111082
110979
0.007
0.012
111182
111127
0.021
0.003
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Bugle tower
Canute’s Palace, Porters Lane
Town Wall: remains of E side of town walls
of East St and N of God’s House Tower
Quilter’s and adjoining vaults in High St
Conservation Areas
Canute Road
Old Town - South
Oxford Street
Old Town - West
Itchen Valley
RNAD (Marchwood)
Hythe
Eling (Totton)
Ashlett Creek
Bursledon
Botley
Hamble
Netley Abbey
Netley
Gaters Mill
Warsash
Swanwick Shore
Registered Parks and Gardens
Central Parks, Southampton
Townhill Park
Royal Victoria Country Park
Easting
441950
Northing
Area (Ha)
111001
0.008
442103
111049
441982
111012
District
Southampton
Southampton
Southampton
Southampton
Southampton
New Forest
New Forest
New Forest
New Forest
Eastleigh
Eastleigh
Eastleigh
Eastleigh
Eastleigh
Eastleigh
Fareham
Fareham
Easting
Northing
442110
112094
445118
115189
446527
107864
0.019
0.037
Area (Ha)
5.63
4.63
9.91
7.34
73.51
11.15
11.50
65.59
7.43
170.58
92.61
31.36
34.41
6.66
3.74
6.48
2.06
Grade
II
II
II
Hook Spit to Portsmouth Harbour Entrance
Along this stretch of coast there are 2 main areas of high archaeological
importance; Titchfield and the area around Gilkicker point and Portsmouth
Harbour entrance. The historic village of Titchfield and Titchfield Abbey are
designated as Conservation Areas encompassing the medieval Titchfield Abbey
a nationally important Scheduled Ancient Monument. The Abbey itself lies
outside the predicted flood zone 3 for 2115.
Around Portsmouth Harbour west entrance there are several designated historic
assets including the Scheduled Ancient Monuments; Gilkicker Fort, Fort
Monckton, Fort Blockhouse and Haslar Peninsula Conservation Area and
registered Royal Hospital.
The 2 Conservation Areas of Rowner Village and Pier Street could potentially be
at risk from erosion over the next 100 years.
Feature
Statutory Designated Features
Conservation Areas
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Listed Buildings
Registered Parks and Gardens
Non-Statutory Features
Parks and Gardens
Archaeological findspots
Monuments
Historic buildings
Salterns
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Motte and Bailey Castle
Fortifications S of Crescent Rd
Gilkicker Fort
Haslar Gunboat Yard
Fort Monckton
Fort Blockhouse
Conservation Areas
Titchfield
Titchfield Abbey
Alverstoke
Anglesey
Daedalus
Rowner Village
Haslar Peninsula
Pier Street
Registered Parks and Gardens
The Royal Hospital, Haslar
Number
8
6
34
1
2
23
55
32
6
Easting
458436
460480
460672
461687
460920
462592
District
Fareham
Fareham
Gosport
Gosport
Gosport
Gosport
Gosport
Gosport
Easting
461748
Northing
100100
98152
97511
98940
97813
99273
Northing
98690
Area (Ha)
0.297
0.092
1.239
0.719
10.901
1.700
Area (Ha)
19.35
110.58
6.24
58.99
9.03
12.87
50.84
4.35
Grade
II
Portsmouth Harbour
Portsmouth harbour and surrounding area has a rich naval history, the west side
of the harbour has several Scheduled Ancient Monuments including fortifications
south of Trinity church and north of Mumby road and earthwork defences at
Priddy’s hard. Areas of high archaeological importance identified through the
Southern Water Archaeological Management Project (SWAMP2 2006) include
Gosport historic town, Royal Clarence Yard, military cemetery and Priddy’s yard
Conservation Area.
Portchester Castle is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and the
surrounding historic town of Porchester as a Conservation Area. Other
Conservation Areas surrounding the harbour include Cams hall, Fareham High
Street and Town Quay. The east side of the harbour is covered by Portsea Island
section.
Feature
Statutory Designated Features
Conservation Areas
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Listed Buildings
Non-Statutory Features
Parks and Gardens (HCC record)
Archaeological findspots
Monuments
Historic buildings
Salterns
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Fortifications N of Mumby Road
Earthwork Defences at Priddy’s Hard
Fortifications S of Trinity Church
Porchester Castle
Conservation Areas
Bury Road
Stoke Road
St George Barracks South
High Street
St George Barracks North
Priddy's Hard
Hardway
Fareham High Street
Cams Hall
Town Quay
Porchester
Wallington
Old Wymering
Number
13
4
142
11
30
87
89
20
Easting
Northing
461522
100533
461497
101180
462124
99518
462428
104591
District
Gosport
Gosport
Gosport
Gosport
Gosport
Gosport
Gosport
Fareham
Fareham
Fareham
Fareham
Fareham
Portsmouth
Area (Ha)
4.927
3.946
2.042
7.421
Area (Ha)
11.67
5.23
13.19
9.12
12.14
28.10
11.26
16.82
97.35
8.93
36.61
3.66
4.07
Portsea Island
Portsmouth is the traditional home of the Royal Navy and has a long naval
history going back to Roman times. The south of Portsea Island is an area of
high archaeological importance with 9 designated Scheduled Ancient
Monuments including Portsmouth dockyard, Southsea castle, Eastney fort and
Fort Cumberland. There are also 14 Conservation Areas and 224 Listed
Buildings at potential risk over the next 100 from flooding and/or erosion, most of
which cluster around the historic dockyard. Along the southern shore of the
island lie the nationally registered Southsea Common and Victoria Park. In the
north of the island the military defence Hilsea lines and Pickett Hamilton Fort are
designated as Scheduled Ancient Monuments.
Feature
Statutory Designated Features
Conservation Areas
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Listed Buildings
Registered Parks and Gardens
Non-Statutory Features
Parks and Gardens (HCC record)
Archaeological findspots
Monuments
Historic buildings
Salterns
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Pickett Hamilton Fort, Hilsea
Hilsea Lines
Portsmouth Dockyard, The Docks
Former board of Ordnance Gunwharf,
HMS Vernon
Long Curtain King’s Bastion and Spur
Reboubt
World War ll beach defences, Eastney
Portsmouth Dockyard, The Block Mills &
stores 35 & 36
Southsea Castle
Point Battery including King Edward’s
Tower and Square Tower
Eastney sewage pumping station
Fort Cumberland
Conservation Areas
H M Naval Base & St Georges Square
Victoria Park
Milton Locks
Portsea
The Sea Front
Gunwharf
Owens Southsea
Number
14
11
224
3
10
16
42
65
13
Easting
467325
466800
462821
Northing
103931
104050
100703
Area (Ha)
463312
99103
2.16
467683
462858
98925
100817
0.40
0.11
463161
464312
99687
98076
0.03
3.21
463036
99271
467363
99257
468219
99250
District
Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth
19.94
2.32
0.39
0.62
14.68
Area (Ha)
35.81
27.04
1.01
16.47
103.09
17.08
32.61
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Stanley Street
Campbell Road
Old Portsmouth
The Terraces
Victoria Road South (East Side)
Eastney Barracks
Castle Road
Name
Southsea Common
Kingston Cemetery
Victoria Park
Easting
Northing
Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Easting
Northing
464398
98444
465762
100934
463931
100340
Area (Ha)
0.50
14.01
40.17
4.73
13.12
21.30
8.46
Grade
II
II
II
Langstone Harbour
This section on Langstone Harbour covers only the northern coast of the
harbour. The west of the harbour is covered in the Portsea Island frontage and
the east in the Hayling Island frontage. Historic assets surrounding the harbour
include 4 designated Conservation Areas; Mill Lane, Old Bedhampton,
Langstone and Wade Court and 19 Listed Buildings. The Old Mill House in
Langstone is a grade II listed building and surrounding garden is listed on HCC
gardens and parks register.
Feature
Statutory Designated Features
Conservation Areas
Listed Buildings
Non-Statutory Features
Parks and Gardens (HCC record)
Archaeological findspots
Monuments
Salterns
Conservation Areas
Mill Lane
Old Bedhampton
Langstone
Wade Court
Number
4
19
1
21
19
5
District
Havant
Havant
Havant
Havant
Area (Ha)
6.24
9.79
7.63
4.64
Hayling Island
On Hayling Island areas of archaeological importance include the Iron Age
Tourner Bury Hillfort on the east side of the island and the World War II gun site
at Sinah Common on the southern coast. Both sites are designated as
Scheduled Ancient Monuments. There are 15 Listed Buildings which are
potentially at risk form flooding over the next 100 years with a concentration of
grade II houses in St Peter’s conservation area in Northney. HCC register of
gardens and parks include Sinah Common, Manor House and Kings Road Park.
The Southern Water Archaeological Management Project (SWAMP2 2006) has
identified Mengham, North’s and Eastoke salterns in the south east and salterns
on the north east coast as areas of archaeological significance.
Feature
Statutory Designated Features
Conservation Areas
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Listed Buildings
Non-Statutory Features
Parks and Gardens (HCC record)
Archaeological findspots
Monuments
Historic buildings
Salterns
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Tourner Bury
World war II heavy anti-aircraft gun site at
Sinah common
Conservation Areas
St Peter's
Coastguards
Number
2
2
15
3
30
47
18
20
Easting
473165
Northing
99867
469992
District
Havant
Havant
99401
Area (Ha)
4.316
2.191
Area (Ha)
4.5
2.1
Chichester Harbour
Surrounding Chichester Harbour there are several areas of high national
importance. The Palace at Fishbourne is a unique Roman site in Britain
designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It is surrounded by the
Fishbourne Conservation Area and nationally registered grade II* Fishbourne
palace garden. Surrounding the harbour include the designated Conservation
Areas of Bosham, west Ashling, Prinsted, Emsworth, Dell Quay and West
Itchenor. Other sites of high national importance include a Romano-Celtic temple
near west Ashling designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Rymans
Park listed on the national registered of parks and gardens.
Feature
Statutory Designated Features
Conservation Areas
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Listed Buildings
Registered Parks and Gardens
Non-Statutory Features
Archaeological findspots
Monuments
Historic buildings
Salterns
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
A Romano-Celtic Temple, Iron Age Shrine
Fishbourne Roman site
Conservation Areas
Emsworth
West Itchenor
Bosham
Fishbourne
Prinsted
West Ashling
Dell Quay
Registered Parks and Gardens
Fishbourne Roman Palace
Rymans
Number
7
2
92
2
76
124
12
2
Easting
480900
483966
District
Havant
Chichester
Chichester
Chichester
Chichester
Chichester
Chichester
Easting
483962
484237
Northing
106420
104632
Northing
104763
103239
Area (Ha)
37.1
77.7
Area (Ha)
30.1
4.8
17.3
6.0
4.0
13.7
1.8
Grade
II*
II
West Wittering to Selsey Bill
The open coast from west Wittering to Selsey Bill has 2 Conservation Areas;
West Wittering and Earnley which lie within the flood zone 3 for 2115. There are
42 Listed Buildings along this frontage with a concentration in West Wittering.
Feature
Statutory Designated Features
Conservation Areas
Listed Buildings
Non-Statutory Features
Archaeological findspots
Monuments
Historic buildings
Number
2
42
41
23
2
Conservation Areas
West Wittering
Earnley
District
Chichester
Chichester
Area (Ha)
13.7
3.7
D4.3 MARINE
D4.3.1 Overview
The marine heritage of the North Solent coast is predominantly linked to wrecks
and any sub-tidal/drowned archaeology. As with the terrestrial heritage, there is
an abundance of archaeological and historic sites. The maritime history of the
region is particularly significant, with major ports and harbours operating to
support military and commercial fleets for hundreds of years.
Protected Wrecks
There is only limited statutory protection for wrecks and other sites below the low
water mark, most notably designation under the Protection of Wrecks Acts 1973.
In the North Solent area there are 5 protected wrecks listed below.
Name
Grace Dieu
Mary Rose
HMS Invincible
HMSMAI
HMS Hazardous
Location
Horse Tail Sand, Eastern Solent
Spithead, Portsmouth, Solent
Solent
Bracklesham, near Selsey Bill
River Hamble, Hampshire
Latitude
50.7396
50.7639
50.7425
50.7523
50.8925
Longitude
-1.0386
-1.1042
-0.9213
-0.8593
-1.2887
Wrecks, Maritime Monuments and Archaeology Sites
The North Solent are has a rich maritime history with over 440 maritime records
within 2km of the coast. These records include maritime monuments, wrecks,
archaeological sites and maritime features. Data collated has been supplied from
Southampton City Council, English Heritage, Chichester District Council and
Hampshire County Council. This initial assessment provides a provisional list of
maritime records which will be further assessed and prioritised during the
heritage workshop.
Frontage
West Solent
Southampton Water
Hook to Portsmouth
Portsmouth Harbour
Portsea Island open coast
Wrecks
44
39
31
41
16
Other
38
32
54
17
12
Total
82
71
85
58
28
Langstone Harbour
Hayling Island open coast
Chichester Harbour
East head to Selsey Bill
8
15
6
5
34
4
21
26
42
19
27
31
The location of protected wrecks and maritime features are represented in Annex
D.3.7