The 19th Century Slipway
On 21st December 2011 I visited the Convoys Wharf site for an update on how the development is progressing.
I met with representatives from the developer (Hutchison Whampoa) and the architect (Aedas), as well as the two archaeologists currently supervising the excavation of the site. Although the future plans for Convoys Wharf remain far from being finalised, this was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on its history.
The latest area to be investigated covers a hectare of land next to the River Thames, at the heart of Deptford’s former Royal Dockyards. Archaeologists are currently examining the complex of warehouses which grew up around a Tudor storehouse originally constructed in 1513, along with one of the dockyard’s shipbuilding slipways.
I met with representatives from the developer (Hutchison Whampoa) and the architect (Aedas), as well as the two archaeologists currently supervising the excavation of the site. Although the future plans for Convoys Wharf remain far from being finalised, this was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on its history.
The latest area to be investigated covers a hectare of land next to the River Thames, at the heart of Deptford’s former Royal Dockyards. Archaeologists are currently examining the complex of warehouses which grew up around a Tudor storehouse originally constructed in 1513, along with one of the dockyard’s shipbuilding slipways.
Excavating the Basin
Previous work focused on the remains of Sayes Court, home to 17th Century horticulturalist and diarist John Evelyn. Following Evelyn’s death in 1704 the estate was broken up and the main house was variously used as a workhouse, an Admirality building and the First World War headquarters of the army’s Supply Reserve Depot, before being damaged beyond repair during the Second World War.
Sadly much of the archaeology uncovered so far is too fragile to put on permanent display, but I remain hopeful that we will reach a compromise which allows the development to echo the important role the site played in London’s maritime history.
In due course I hope to hold a meeting involving experts and key stakeholders in the project to try and agree a way to take this project forward. Many constituents have already made their views known to me, but the meeting will provide a further opportunity for communtiy engagement.
General information about the development can be found here:
http://www.convoyswharf.com/
More information on the archaeology of the site can be found on the Museum of London’s website:
http://www.museumoflondonarchaeology.org.uk/NewsProjects/ConvoysStorehouseSlipway.htm
Sadly much of the archaeology uncovered so far is too fragile to put on permanent display, but I remain hopeful that we will reach a compromise which allows the development to echo the important role the site played in London’s maritime history.
In due course I hope to hold a meeting involving experts and key stakeholders in the project to try and agree a way to take this project forward. Many constituents have already made their views known to me, but the meeting will provide a further opportunity for communtiy engagement.
General information about the development can be found here:
http://www.convoyswharf.com/
More information on the archaeology of the site can be found on the Museum of London’s website:
http://www.museumoflondonarchaeology.org.uk/NewsProjects/ConvoysStorehouseSlipway.htm
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