In response to Dorset Council’s recent public engagement on its initial development proposals for the North Quay site in Weymouth, a number of comments were made about the historical importance of the site, particularly as it was the location of action during the Civil War in 1645.
It is not clear what, if any, archaeological evidence remains as the site has been built on many times over the intervening centuries. The erection of North Quay itself will have been a major disturbance and, as with any building, there are numerous utilities services underground across the site.
To ensure the best opportunity is made available to investigate what does remain, Dorset Council has engaged Context One, a company that specialises in archaeological evaluation. They have studied historical maps of the area and where the services now run. They have recommended four trenches to be dug in areas which have been least disturbed over the years and which have been selected as being most likely to reveal if findings of an archaeological interest remain.
If significant finds are unearthed this will lead to a larger plan to ensure any residual archaeology is properly investigated.
From Tuesday 20 April, investigations will take place at the North Quay car park. Dorset Council will close the majority of the North Quay car park for the duration of these investigative works which are expected to last about 5-8 days.
Unfortunately Covid restrictions will prevent local volunteers from taking part in the works. To ensure the public can see what is found as the dig progresses, Context One will post photos and videos of their work on social media throughout the project, and these will be shared through Dorset Council channels.
Full planning application for summer 2021
Dorset Council will receive a full archaeological report the following month and this will be shared publicly. This report will then make up part of the Full Planning Application to be submitted in summer 2021. The Planning Application will include both North Quay and the former Weymouth Bowl sites. Archaeological investigation on the Weymouth Bowl site is planned for autumn 2021.
Cllr Tony Ferrari, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property with special responsibility for Regeneration and Development in Weymouth, said: “Whatever the outcome for North Quay as a development it presents us with a unique opportunity to dig deep into the history of Weymouth. I look forward in anticipation to what we might find.”
What is Dorset Council looking to develop on the North Quay and Weymouth Bowl sites?
The proposed developments will:
- provide appropriate and aesthetically pleasing proposals, in keeping with the character of each area
- deliver new housing, including affordable housing
- address environmental concerns
- offer community space to generate much needed finance to part fund the repair and raising of the harbour walls
- contribute to the wider regeneration of Weymouth
I for one would like to know what and where is the “Weymouth Bowl Site”?
The proposals include “affordable” housing. Affordable for who? Local people on low incomes, or wealthy out-of-towners looking for an “affordable” holiday home? Why not make them very expensive houses for the “Fly-ins” and use the profit to build truly affordable houses elsewhere in the town to enable those with local connections/roots to have the chance to own their OWN homes in their OWN home town?
Holding my breath? Nope!
where ” on social media” are Context One’s findings going to be published, please?
Are the local, knowledgeable, historians to have any input to whatever it is Context One are going to do?
it is nice to be kept informed but where is north quay ? the location would enhance the jargon
Really good point! It’s in Weymouth – we’ve amended the article accordingly, thank you for flagging and sorry for the confusion – James
Is affordable housing affordable for the many or just the few? wealthier residents.
Exciting times for all of us from ‘Dig The Street’ who have wanted this for so long.
I must say that the very fact that the site has been built upon so many times, is what makes the archaeology beneath so interesting.
Each layer of stratigraphy uncovered, tells its own story and will add to the over all knowledge of Weymouth’s past.
Good luck to Context One Archaeology and thank you to Dorset council for listening to us. It really is much appreciated Tony Ferrari. You have proved that you are not like your predecessors, who couldn’t care less about our heritage.
Let’s hope that Weymouth’s story has a new beginning chapter written after this.
“We can’t tell the story of Weymouth, without knowing how that story begins”.
Thank you for your kind words Mark 🙂
There may be evidence of Roman Naval involvement at North Quay. The main Roman Port was I think up stream at Radipole but the Romans could have built a small defensive/look out station at the entrance to Weymouth Harbour.