Archaeological Investigations at South Quay, Hayle

Archaeological work took place on South Quay, Hayle (Cornwall) between 2010-2014. The development of Hayle started in the mid-18th century and it soon became a significant industrial centre. This book extensively uses cartographic, photographic and documentary records to place the archaeological and structural features uncovered into context.

Archaeological work took place on South Quay, Hayle between 2010 and 2014. The development of Hayle started in the mid-18th century and it soon became a significant industrial centre. South Quay was constructed in 1818 by the locally influential and entrepreneurial Harvey family and was located adjacent to their large iron foundry. Activity on the quay evolved with, from the 1830s, the Harvey family becoming involved in ship building. This took place on newly constructed slipways connected to the quay. By the 1840s, wharfs, many other structures and buildings were established on the quay, all linked by rail tracks enabling products to be efficiently sent across the trading world. The decline in South Quay from c1860 was slow and little substantial new development occurred except for a short-lived industrial redevelopment of part of the site in the 1970s. The quay later became derelict and there was substantial fly tipping. Archaeological examination found that under the ground surface there were large areas where fragile historic remains and artefacts had survived such as 19th century rail tracks, chains and anchors. Other archaeological work undertaken included recording features such as the walls of the quay, which had been modified over time. Walls that had been part of the docks and slipways were exposed. Additionally, the former Carnsew Channel leading off South Quay was revealed and remains of its sluice gates, which was attached to the quay, were drawn. An ‘Accommodation’ bridge had been constructed within the quay during WWII to aid the assembly of ‘Rhinos’ in preparaton of D-Day in 1944, and was examined before it was removed. This publication has extensively used cartographic, photographic and documentary records to place the archaeological and structural features uncovered into context. The importance of these industrial remains has been shown by the fact that the former port of Hayle, including South Quay, had gained World Heritage status.

Chapter 1. Introduction Designations Background Planning Location and topography Neglect Objectives and Methodology Chapter 2. Historical background Timeline Historic Environment Records Historical background Cartographic evidence Carnsew Pool and sluices Later Ordnance Survey maps Photographic evidence World War II and post-war at South Quay Hayle Harbour Chapter 3. The Archaeology of South Quay and areas relating to Carnsew Quay The external walls of South Quay The silting up and the deposition of rubble at the western side of South Quay The Western Slipway Carnsew Dock The walls of Carnsew Channel and Pool and the southern sluice (mitre) gates Carnsew Channel and training walls Southern sluice (mitre) gates Internal archaeological examination of South Quay General observations during the watching brief Archaeological evidence of cranes Chapter 4. Finds Sluice gate related items Rail track/cart wheel Chains, mooring posts, and anchors Miscellaneous finds Chain survey Chapter 5. Discussion - Rob Atkins, Yvonne Wolframm-Murray and Andy Sherman Background Industrial importance The rise of Hayle The rise and expansion of Hayle from 1740 South Quay and the role it helped play in the expansion in the early to mid-19th century Slow decline of South Quay from c1860 Research priorities Conclusion Bibliography,

Chapter 1. Introduction

Designations

Background

Planning

Location and topography

Neglect

Objectives and Methodology

Chapter 2. Historical background

Timeline

Historic Environment Records

Historical background

Cartographic evidence

Carnsew Pool and sluices

Later Ordnance Survey maps

Photographic evidence

World War II and post-war at South Quay Hayle Harbour

Chapter 3. The Archaeology of South Quay and areas relating to Carnsew Quay

The external walls of South Quay

The silting up and the deposition of rubble at the western side of South Quay

The Western Slipway

Carnsew Dock

The walls of Carnsew Channel and Pool and the southern sluice (mitre) gates

Carnsew Channel and training walls

Southern sluice (mitre) gates

Internal archaeological examination of South Quay

General observations during the watching brief

Archaeological evidence of cranes

Chapter 4. Finds

Sluice gate related items

Rail track/cart wheel

Chains, mooring posts, and anchors

Miscellaneous finds

Chain survey

Chapter 5. Discussion – Rob Atkins, Yvonne Wolframm-Murray and Andy Sherman

Background

Industrial importance

The rise of Hayle

The rise and expansion of Hayle from 1740

South Quay and the role it helped play in the expansion in the early to mid-19th century

Slow decline of South Quay from c1860

Research priorities

Conclusion

Bibliography

Yvonne Wolframm-Murray graduated from Bradford University in Archaeological Sciences and then immediately studied for and then achieved a PhD in 2005 at the same university. She has worked for MOLA (formerly Northamptonshire Archaeology) since 2005 and amongst other sites supervised parts of the excavations at Stanground. She has written many site reports as well as specialists reports on worked flint. Yvonne has published articles in journals and has contributed to monographs.

• By (author) Yvonne Wolframm-Murray
• Contributions by Rob Atkins
• Contributions by Andrew Sherman