Spice Quay, Shad Thames, Southwark;
TQ 3380 8000; (David Divers); evaluation; Frogmore Developments Ltd; SES96
sequence of natural alluvial deposits was noted in geoarchaeological boreholes.
Excavations revealed that these were overlain by foreshore deposits dating from 1550-1650
which very probably represent rubbish being dumped over the contemporary river wall. To
the west of the site excavations revealed re-deposited foreshore deposits consolidated
with a layer of chalk, dating to the late Seventeenth / early Eighteenth century. These
have been interpreted as the first phase of enwharfment on the site. By the late
Eighteenth century the rest of the site had been enwharfed and the area divided into
different properties. Also at this time a warehouse was constructed at the west end of
site, which had an external area fronting onto the river. During the Nineteenth century
more warehouses were built, the existing western warehouse was enlarged and extended
towards the river front and a dry dock was constructed in the middle of the site. By the
end of the Nineteenth century the entire site was used for warehousing.
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