2.4.0 Historical and Cultural Resources
2.4.1 Background
The River Medina and its adjacent urban and countryside areas are rich in sites of historical and cultural value. This diverse resource includes both buried archaeological materials and upstanding structural remains. Sites and archaeological finds of importance are recorded in the County Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) of which there are 247 records within the MEMP study area, dating back to prehistoric times. Urban areas of special architectural and historic interest are designated as conservation areas. Only one conservation area exists within the study area, in Cowes, although the Newport conservation area adjoins at the extreme south.
The historic and cultural resource includes:
• the archaeological resource;
• palaeo-environmental resource;
• remains and historical information pertaining to change in the urban, commercial and industrial use of the estuary; and
• military installations.
2.4.1.1 Archaeological resource
Marine archaeology: The bed of the estuary offers important archaeological and palaeo-environmental evidence relevant to the understanding of the long-term timetable of sea level rise, coastal change and past uses of the estuary. Minimal investigation into marine archaeology has occurred to date.
Intertidal archaeology: The intertidal zone comprises the area between the levels of high and low water which is subjected repeatedly to periods of exposure and submergence. Evidence of prehistoric occupation is to be found on submerged land surfaces in the estuary’s intertidal zone. These are subject to threat from both erosion and bait-digging. The occurrence of archaeological material in this area is often directly associated with its former exploitation, settlement or the loss of artefacts during landings and unloading. Numerous hulks survive in this zone, including the Cowes ketch ‘Bee’. Other finds include evidence of post-medieval maritime industrial activities, and a wealth of remains associated with the wharfage of vessels and shipbuilding.
Terrestrial archaeology: Archaeological material has also been found within the dry land area of the MEMP study area. Evidence suggests that the estuary has been occupied since Palaeolithic times. Other finds include evidence of Neolithic settlement, Bronze Age tools, Roman artefacts and medieval and post-medieval features including defence sites.
During 1999 the County Archaeology Service in collaboration with English Heritage carried out an archaeological audit of the intertidal zone and coastal fringe. This survey significantly increased the number of sites of all periods recorded in the Medina Estuary.
Hearths believed to be of prehistoric date were found in the intertidal zone and the face of the low, eroding riverbanks, where they were often associated with palaeo-environmental material. Numerous intertidal post alignments of unknown date were observed. Evidence of post medieval salterns and oyster beds were recorded, and industrial sites including shipyards, ropewalks, sea plane factories, watermills and brickworks were noted. Twenty hulks were recorded in the intertidal zone. Sites associated with recreation and tourism, including promenades, drinking fountains and piers were also found within the MEMP study area.
2.4.1.2 Palaeo-environmental resource
The estuary has a deep deposit of sediments which can be studied to provide an understanding of environmental change. Organic material, including plant and insect remains which are preserved within sediments provide important indications of the nature, scale and pace of coastal change. The sediments in the Medina Estuary, both marine and terrestrial, represent an invaluable component of the resource and should not be disturbed without due evaluation of their scientific value.
2.4.1.3 The historic urban, commercial and industrial resource
Settlements: The 'old world' character and charm of Cowes and Newport is an important heritage resource for the Island. Newport, the capital of the Island, was named after the town received a charter from Richard de Redvers during the reign of Henry II. East and West Cowes are settlements which take their name from the offshore anchorage formerly known as ‘Cowe’. Cowes is a community which grew around the Tudor Castle or shore-fort which now lies on the site occupied by the Royal Yacht Squadron. At East Cowes a somewhat similar settlement first grew south of a Tudor blockhouse which complemented the role of Cowes Castle. Unlike, Cowes, this settlement has few buildings pre-dating the 19th century.
Maritime History: The River Medina has been recognised as an important waterway for access to the Island for centuries and has an extensive maritime history. The Medina Estuary has been a natural focus for the construction and repair of ships, due to its proximity to the sheltered waters of the Solent, where for centuries commercial and military vessels alike have congregated. Shipbuilding and repair were the mainstay industries in East Cowes through the 16th to 18th centuries and were crucial to the area’s industrial development and commercial success. A number of structures remain as testimony to the shipbuilding heritage. These include: engineering sheds; slipways; dry docks; and ropewalks.
Cowes also supported the development of an aero industry of national significance. The area was central in the development of sea planes and flying boats. In addition, Cowes has been the focus of hovercraft development and production although these activities have declined in recent years.
Commercial Trade: Commercial trade occurred in the area as early as the 17th century. A small proportion of the stone built quays, wharves and warehouses remain. Brick vaults have been discovered under the waterfront at Cowes. Such sites are typical of the infrastructure required for the operation of a busy Post-Medieval port. It is likely that similar features remain undiscovered or misidentified in Newport and Cowes Harbour.
2.4.1.4 Military installations
In the past the defence of the Medina Estuary was an important military objective as the estuary provided a route into the centre of the Island for any invading force. To command the mouth of the Estuary Henry VIII had two castles constructed, one at East Cowes and one at Cowes.
Other historic features include:
• the remains of East Medina Tide Mill Pond;
• the remains of Medina Cement Works;
• the harbour at Newport, including the hand crane with parasol top on Seaclose Quay and the swing bridge at New Quay.
• the floating bridge; and
• the disused railway line linking Cowes and Newport, complete with viaduct
Regulation: The Isle of Wight’s County Archaeology Service ensure that historical and archaeological interests are safeguarded through compliance with: Planning Policy Guidance from Central Government on Archaeology and Planning (PPG 16) and Coastal Planning (PPPG 20); South East Regional Planning Conference (SERPLAN) policy guidance (1993); and the guiding principles set out in ‘A Statement on England’s Coastal Heritage’ by English Heritage (EH). The unit provides a continuing overview of the archaeology within the estuary and should be consulted in relation to all proposals and activities which pose a potential threat to the known and concealed resource. In addition, regulation is provided by the Harbour Authorities who are required to ensure that developments under their control, which are likely to have significant environmental impacts, are subject to environmental assessment before consent is given.
2.4.2 Issues
2.4.2.1 Safeguarding the cultural heritage
The archaeological resource is concealed within the subtidal, intertidal and terrestrial zone of the estuary. The resource needs to be safeguarded, as it is scientifically valuable, vulnerable and non-renewable.
Estuary users may find or damage historic structures and artefacts. In particular, dredging for oysters or digging for bait could result in the discovery or damage these items. It is important that awareness levels of important archaeological sites are raised in order to promote their sensitive use and the recording of finds.
2.4.1 Background
The River Medina and its adjacent urban and countryside areas are rich in sites of historical and cultural value. This diverse resource includes both buried archaeological materials and upstanding structural remains. Sites and archaeological finds of importance are recorded in the County Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) of which there are 247 records within the MEMP study area, dating back to prehistoric times. Urban areas of special architectural and historic interest are designated as conservation areas. Only one conservation area exists within the study area, in Cowes, although the Newport conservation area adjoins at the extreme south.
The historic and cultural resource includes:
• the archaeological resource;
• palaeo-environmental resource;
• remains and historical information pertaining to change in the urban, commercial and industrial use of the estuary; and
• military installations.
2.4.1.1 Archaeological resource
Marine archaeology: The bed of the estuary offers important archaeological and palaeo-environmental evidence relevant to the understanding of the long-term timetable of sea level rise, coastal change and past uses of the estuary. Minimal investigation into marine archaeology has occurred to date.
Intertidal archaeology: The intertidal zone comprises the area between the levels of high and low water which is subjected repeatedly to periods of exposure and submergence. Evidence of prehistoric occupation is to be found on submerged land surfaces in the estuary’s intertidal zone. These are subject to threat from both erosion and bait-digging. The occurrence of archaeological material in this area is often directly associated with its former exploitation, settlement or the loss of artefacts during landings and unloading. Numerous hulks survive in this zone, including the Cowes ketch ‘Bee’. Other finds include evidence of post-medieval maritime industrial activities, and a wealth of remains associated with the wharfage of vessels and shipbuilding.
Terrestrial archaeology: Archaeological material has also been found within the dry land area of the MEMP study area. Evidence suggests that the estuary has been occupied since Palaeolithic times. Other finds include evidence of Neolithic settlement, Bronze Age tools, Roman artefacts and medieval and post-medieval features including defence sites.
During 1999 the County Archaeology Service in collaboration with English Heritage carried out an archaeological audit of the intertidal zone and coastal fringe. This survey significantly increased the number of sites of all periods recorded in the Medina Estuary.
Hearths believed to be of prehistoric date were found in the intertidal zone and the face of the low, eroding riverbanks, where they were often associated with palaeo-environmental material. Numerous intertidal post alignments of unknown date were observed. Evidence of post medieval salterns and oyster beds were recorded, and industrial sites including shipyards, ropewalks, sea plane factories, watermills and brickworks were noted. Twenty hulks were recorded in the intertidal zone. Sites associated with recreation and tourism, including promenades, drinking fountains and piers were also found within the MEMP study area.
2.4.1.2 Palaeo-environmental resource
The estuary has a deep deposit of sediments which can be studied to provide an understanding of environmental change. Organic material, including plant and insect remains which are preserved within sediments provide important indications of the nature, scale and pace of coastal change. The sediments in the Medina Estuary, both marine and terrestrial, represent an invaluable component of the resource and should not be disturbed without due evaluation of their scientific value.
2.4.1.3 The historic urban, commercial and industrial resource
Settlements: The 'old world' character and charm of Cowes and Newport is an important heritage resource for the Island. Newport, the capital of the Island, was named after the town received a charter from Richard de Redvers during the reign of Henry II. East and West Cowes are settlements which take their name from the offshore anchorage formerly known as ‘Cowe’. Cowes is a community which grew around the Tudor Castle or shore-fort which now lies on the site occupied by the Royal Yacht Squadron. At East Cowes a somewhat similar settlement first grew south of a Tudor blockhouse which complemented the role of Cowes Castle. Unlike, Cowes, this settlement has few buildings pre-dating the 19th century.
Maritime History: The River Medina has been recognised as an important waterway for access to the Island for centuries and has an extensive maritime history. The Medina Estuary has been a natural focus for the construction and repair of ships, due to its proximity to the sheltered waters of the Solent, where for centuries commercial and military vessels alike have congregated. Shipbuilding and repair were the mainstay industries in East Cowes through the 16th to 18th centuries and were crucial to the area’s industrial development and commercial success. A number of structures remain as testimony to the shipbuilding heritage. These include: engineering sheds; slipways; dry docks; and ropewalks.
Cowes also supported the development of an aero industry of national significance. The area was central in the development of sea planes and flying boats. In addition, Cowes has been the focus of hovercraft development and production although these activities have declined in recent years.
Commercial Trade: Commercial trade occurred in the area as early as the 17th century. A small proportion of the stone built quays, wharves and warehouses remain. Brick vaults have been discovered under the waterfront at Cowes. Such sites are typical of the infrastructure required for the operation of a busy Post-Medieval port. It is likely that similar features remain undiscovered or misidentified in Newport and Cowes Harbour.
2.4.1.4 Military installations
In the past the defence of the Medina Estuary was an important military objective as the estuary provided a route into the centre of the Island for any invading force. To command the mouth of the Estuary Henry VIII had two castles constructed, one at East Cowes and one at Cowes.
Other historic features include:
• the remains of East Medina Tide Mill Pond;
• the remains of Medina Cement Works;
• the harbour at Newport, including the hand crane with parasol top on Seaclose Quay and the swing bridge at New Quay.
• the floating bridge; and
• the disused railway line linking Cowes and Newport, complete with viaduct
Regulation: The Isle of Wight’s County Archaeology Service ensure that historical and archaeological interests are safeguarded through compliance with: Planning Policy Guidance from Central Government on Archaeology and Planning (PPG 16) and Coastal Planning (PPPG 20); South East Regional Planning Conference (SERPLAN) policy guidance (1993); and the guiding principles set out in ‘A Statement on England’s Coastal Heritage’ by English Heritage (EH). The unit provides a continuing overview of the archaeology within the estuary and should be consulted in relation to all proposals and activities which pose a potential threat to the known and concealed resource. In addition, regulation is provided by the Harbour Authorities who are required to ensure that developments under their control, which are likely to have significant environmental impacts, are subject to environmental assessment before consent is given.
2.4.2 Issues
2.4.2.1 Safeguarding the cultural heritage
The archaeological resource is concealed within the subtidal, intertidal and terrestrial zone of the estuary. The resource needs to be safeguarded, as it is scientifically valuable, vulnerable and non-renewable.
Estuary users may find or damage historic structures and artefacts. In particular, dredging for oysters or digging for bait could result in the discovery or damage these items. It is important that awareness levels of important archaeological sites are raised in order to promote their sensitive use and the recording of finds.
| Objective HC1 To safeguard the cultural resource. |
|---|
2.4.2.2 Knowledge about the historical and cultural resource
Knowledge about the estuary’s historic and cultural resource is fragmentary. Following the County Archaeology Service’s coastal audit, collation of information and more detailed survey work is required.
| Objective HC2 To promote survey, research and integrate historic information and data to achieve a thorough understanding of the historical and archaeological interest of the estuary. |
|---|
2.4.2.3 Awareness, education and interpretation
The estuary possesses a wealth of heritage in a variety of forms. However, much of it is not accessible due to a lack of premises and resources for information and the display of artefacts. Due to the limited promotion of the resource, awareness and appreciation of the resource is limited. Public awareness of the resource is important to ensure its long term protection and preservation.
| Objective HC3 To promote a better understanding of the man made heritage resource. |
|---|
Page last updated on: 04/09/2001
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