Description

Wessex Archaeology was been commissioned by Portland Gas Limited to undertake an archaeological assessment of the offshore section of the proposed route of a gas pipeline and storage scheme that runs from Blandford to Portland. The route cuts the coast to the east of Redcliff Point, Weymouth, then crosses Weymouth Bay to a shore approach on the Isle of Portland just south of Portland Inner Harbour (371540E / 081820N to 370120E / 073720N).
This assessment has addressed the archaeology of only those elements of the scheme that lie below the high water mark. In addition to outlining the relevant legislation archaeological data has been generated by searching the UK Hydrographic Office wreck and historic chart records, the National Monuments Record, and the Dorset Historic Environment Record.
Secondary sources were also consulted, and an archaeological analysis of marine geophysical data was conducted in order to attempt to identify sites currently visible on and under the seabed.
The archaeological heritage is discussed in the Baseline with particular reference to submerged prehistoric sites and landscapes, and maritime sites and finds of all periods after the Mesolithic.