Convoys Wharf, Deptford;
TQ 3700 7820; (David Divers); evaluation; 9 October-14 November 2000; CgMs Consulting on behalf of News International PLC; CVW00
The evaluation revealed surviving structural remains of the Royal Dockyards,
established in 1513 by Henry VIII. The oldest element of the dockyard was a substantial
Tudor brick wall, almost certainly part of the dockyards original storehouse. Another
substantial brick wall represented the expansion of the storehouse complex during the
late 17th early 18th century. More walls and floor surfaces representing additions and
modifications to these storehouses during the later 18th and 19th centuries were also
recorded. 18th and 19th century buildings in both timber and brick, were also recorded
along the water front. The structural remains to three slipways were recorded. Two of
these comprised 18th century revetments and other associated timbers, both structures
appeared to be substantially rebuilt during the 19th century. The third had been rebuilt
in brick during the latter half of the 19th century. All three slipways are known to have
17th century origins. A massive 19th century stone and brick dock entrance wall and timber
gate were also recorded. This Dock had evolved from an original 16th century feature of
the dockyard. The 18th century Mast Pond wall and the dockyard's Basin wall were also
found to be constructed in brick.
The site was also the location of the Medieval Manor of Sayes Court. The earliest structure was a brick wall, possibly dating from the documented reconstruction of the house. Other walls and floors representing modifications to the building were recorded. A series of 18th century walls built over a layer of demolition debris suggests the demolition of this earlier Post-Medieval building and reconstruction on the site, possibly the documented conversion to a parish workhouse in 1729.
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