SDO12494 - Dolphin Quays, Poole: Report on Archaeological Watching Brief

An archaeological watching brief was undertaken between January and September 2001 by Gifford and Partners Ltd, on behalf of Orb Developments, during the enabling works for a new development of apartments named Dolphin Quays, on the site previously occupied by Poole Pottery. The watching brief was conducted to attempt to locate the late Medieval/post-Medieval deposit of oyster shell known as the 'Oyster Bank', as well as ascertainign the location of the pre-19th century shoreline. While some scattered oyster shells were found during the watching brief, no evidence for the location of the Oyster Bank was observed during the watching brief. However, evidence for both the 19th and pre-19th century shorelines was observed on site. It is expected that the pre-19th century quayside will be preserved beneath the remaining pottery building. This would represent a valuable opportunity for further research should development take place on the part of the site in the future. The mid-19th century sea wall still survived in situ, though badly damaged, beneath the present ground surface.