SDO14446 - The Cobb, Lyme Regis, Dorset. A Programme of Archaeological Monitoring and Recording

‘Context One Archaeological Services Ltd (COAS) carried out a three-phased programme of archaeological monitoring and recording at The Cobb, Lyme Regis, Dorset, a harbour wall structure. Monitoring was initially carried out over three days between 31 March and 2 April 2014 during the excavation of three trial holes, in advance of a c. 70m long trench excavation for the laying of multiple service ducts inside the core of The Cobb. Observations during the subsequent duct works were carried out over 19 days between 17 May and 30 June with additional works monitored over 2 days on 22 July and 12 August 2014. The final phase was the monitoring of emergency repairs resulting from storm damage conducted over 4 days between 11 and 23 September 2014. The project was commissioned by West Dorset District Council (WDDC) and funded by Western Power Distribution Ltd and the Environment Agency. The Grade I Listed Cobb (List entry number 1229437) is unique and is considered to be the most famous and recognisable part of Lyme Regis (Bellamy & Davey 2011, 66). As such, the archaeological works were required by English Heritage in mitigation of the excavation and repair work. The archaeology works monitored the removal and re-instatement of the cobbled surface and underlying deposits, during which two earlier stone surfaces of the Causeway were recorded. An uneven surface of large boulders straddled the 1834 and 1857 phases of the Causeway and probably relate to an earlier phase. At a similar horizon, a more even surface of dressed and mortared blocks was located within the 1834 phase although this likely related to an earlier element of the Cobb, the weathered surface indicating substantive use. Excavations of the duct trenches identified a culvert, which was re-connected to a beach drain within the inner harbour wall. A World War Two concrete base was successfully removed, measuring only 0.25m deep. Previously thought to represent an anti-tank barrier, it is now re-interpreted as part of a small arms protection barrier.’