Description
Book SynopsisArchaeological 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.
Table of ContentsChapter 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
