DOCSLIB.ORG

Chichester Canal Restoration

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Chichester Canal Restoration Chichester Ship Canal Restoration Plan Foreword by the President His Grace the Duke of Richmond and Gordon As President of the Chichester Ship Canal Trust I am pleased to set out the foreword to the Chichester Ship Canal Restoration Plan. In recent years tourism has made an important and growing economic contribution to the life of Chichester City. A restored Ship canal will make an important addition to this contribution. Furthermore it will add a delightful country walk for residents of the city and to visitors. But, to achieve this restoration will require a considerable amount of money, as set out in the plan. There is no doubt that newly restored Canal will add a much appreciated feature of the city. This will not be possible without the support of the County and District councils as well as the Chichester Ship canal trust, to whose volunteers we all owe a great sense of gratitude. The Duke of Richmond and Gordon Project Board members are extremely grateful for the encouraging input of the Trust’s President, the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, whose lifetime’s involvement in the strategies and management of Sussex charities and environmental organisations gave impetus to the formation of the Project Board. Mike Coleman Chairman of West Sussex County Council Project Board Chairman Page 2 Chichester Ship Canal Restoration Plan CONTENTS Page 1.0 Executive Summary 4 2.0 Project Background 6 3.0 Project Description and Scope 13 4.0 Project Stages 17 5.0 Finance 18 6.0 Marketing & Communications 24 7.0 Public Relations 25 APPENDICES A. Terms of Reference B. Partner and Stakeholder List C. Construction Key Milestones. D. Financial Projections E. Communications Plan F. Engineering Reports G. Environmental Issues H. Water resources. I. Documents. Maps and Drawings J. Risk Register. Copies of this document and the Appendices are available to download from: www.westsussex.gov.uk Search for Chichester Ship Canal Restoration Plan Please note, this document is in a draft format and liable to change Page 3 Chichester Ship Canal Restoration Plan 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Chichester Ship Canal Restoration Project aims to restore through navigation from Chichester Canal Basin to Chichester Harbour. Our vision is for a revitalised and regenerated waterway that opens up the potential for community access, healthy leisure and recreational opportunities and rich wildlife associated with its open water, banks and bordering hedgerows. To many, the Chichester Canal is viewed as a jewel in the crown in our County‟s heritage. Canals have been described as Linear National Parks. The Chichester Canal is an important public asset for future generations to enjoy, once restored it will greatly contribute to the area‟s environmental attraction and social benefit. Restoration will require re-engineering of the existing road crossings at Donnington (B2201) and Cutfield (Birdham Road A286), a new lock and weir at Cutfield and restoration of Salterns lock at the harbour entrance. There will be considerable additional works including dredging, the removal of the weir at Casher‟s Lock and the replacement of the farm/towpath bridge at Hunston. Page 4 Chichester Ship Canal Restoration Plan The restoration of the section from the Cutfield road crossing to Saltern‟s Lock remains, in partnership with the Chichester Canal Trust, the responsibility of Premier Marinas. At the same time, premier will be extensively improving the buildings, the landscaping and the parking facilities at the western end of the canal. An initial cost estimate for the entire project based on preliminary designs is c£5m. Assuming funding were in place the scheme could realistically be delivered in stages within a 4-8 year time frame. A Project Board comprising members and officers of the key stakeholder organisations is in place to deliver the project. The key stakeholders are West Sussex County Council, Chichester District Council, The Chichester Ship Canal Trust and Premier Marinas. The Project Manager is now in position and is responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the project, reporting to the Project Board. The Board will maintain communications with all Project Stakeholders throughout the life of the project. The Project will be financed by a mixture of public and private fund- raising. As each stage of restoration is completed it will be handed over for operation by The Chichester Ship Canal Trust. The success of this Project will depend on fully utilising the valuable contributions made by all Members of the Chichester Ship Canal Trust, the Trading Arm, Volunteers and all helpers, who work tirelessly to raise finance and to carry out essential maintenance work along the canal. Page 5 Chichester Ship Canal Restoration Plan 2.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND 2.1 Canal History The Canal was designed and constructed by John Rennie who constructed the Kennet and Avon Canal as well as London Bridge. Following a new Act of Parliament in 1817, construction started on the Chichester Ship Canal, which opened five years later on the 9th April 1822. The canal formed part of the network that connected Portsmouth to London. When it was opened the Canal consisted of 2 Locks and 7 Bridges. The principal trade was delivery of coal for the local gasworks. The Portsmouth – London route was not a commercial success and it was largely abandoned in the period 1868 – 1875. Chichester City Council took ownership of the Chichester Ship Canal in 1892 to ensure Chichester‟s connection to the sea remained. In 1906 the last commercial cargo of six tons of shingle was carried from Birdham to Chichester Basin. Through navigation became impossible in 1925 when two main road bridges were replaced with culverts at Donnington and Birdham Roads. In 1928 Chichester City Council effectively abandoned the Canal. Page 6 Chichester Ship Canal Restoration Plan 2.2 Route The Canal is 4 miles (6.4 km) long. From Chichester the Canal runs from the Basin due south past the site of the former Padwick Bridge. A swing bridge, relocated from Hunston by the Sussex Industrial Archaeological Society, can now be seen at this site. The Canal then passes under the Chichester bypass and continues south for another 1.24 miles (2km) until it reaches Poyntz Bridge. From Poyntz Bridge the canal changes to a westerly direction, proceeding for another 0.62 miles (1km) to Donnington. It is at this point that the canal is no longer navigable as it passes under the Selsey Road (B2201) through a culvert. The remains of a swing bridge originally located on this site can be seen to the west of the Selsey Road. From the Donnington Road the canal proceeds for a further 0.75 miles (1.2km) to Birdham where the Canal passes under the A286 (Birdham Road) through another culvert. The remains of the swing bridge originally located on this site can be seen to the west of the culvert. A further 0.31 miles (500m) west of the A286 is Casher‟s Lock. This is the second of the two original locks and is now used to control the water level in the canal, by means of a weir. Page 7 Chichester Ship Canal Restoration Plan A short distance further west within the marina is the Egremont swing bridge, which leads to the final feature of the canal, Salterns Lock. This is the seaward lock from Chichester Harbour with wooden lock gates at the seaward end and cast iron gates at the Canal end. However, the lock is now in need of considerable restoration. Page 8 Chichester Ship Canal Restoration Plan 2.3 Ownership 2.3.1 Canal & Towpath West Sussex County Council owns the full length of Chichester Canal including the Canal Basin and towpath. The extent of WSCC land ownership around the canal basin can be seen in the plan below (shown in blue). The area immediately surrounding the Canal Basin is currently under development. The canal is leased out in two sections; from Chichester Canal Basin to the A286 it is leased to The Chichester Ship Canal Trust, the remaining section from the west of the A286 to Salterns Lock is leased to Premier Marinas. Page 9 Chichester Ship Canal Restoration Plan 2.4 Technical Information 2.4.1 Geography The Canal runs for most of its length through a flat, open landscape, characterised by intensively farmed agricultural land. The Canal passes through clay drift (brick earth) that contains deposits of gravel. The Chichester Ship Canal is lined with clay along its entire length. 2.4.2 Canal Dimensions The Chichester Ship Canal was originally designed for commercial purposes to accommodate vessels weighing up to 100 tons. While it is not intended that vessels weighing 100 tons will be able to navigate the restored canal, the project will retain the original dimensions wherever possible. Vessels will be required to obey the 4mph speed limit on all sections of the canal at all times. Dimensions: Length 3.98 miles (6.4km.). Depth 8‟3” (2.5 m.). Width 55‟9” (17 m.). 8‟3” (2.5 m.) should be considered a maximum depth for the centre of the navigable channel. The size of vessels that the restored canal will accommodate will be governed by the width of Salterns Lock and the air draft below the A27 Bridge. A longitudinal section of the canal is contained in Appendix I. 2.4.3 Water The Canal‟s water resources will comprise two pounds or stretches of level water „impounded‟ between two canal locks. The proposed upper pound runs from the Canal Basin to Cutfield Lock and the lower pound from Cutfield Lock to Salterns Lock. 1st or Upper Pound:- Canal Basin to Cutfield lock Length of pound c.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Boating on Sussex Rivers
    K1&A - Soo U n <zj r \ I A t 1" BOATING ON SUSSEX RIVERS NRA National Rivers Authority Southern Region Guardians of the Water Environment BOATING ON SUSSEX RIVERS Intro duction NRA The Sussex Rivers have a unique appeal, with their wide valleys giving spectacular views of Chalk Downs within sight and smell of the sea. There is no better way to enjoy their natural beauty and charm than by boat. A short voyage inland can reveal some of the most attractive and unspoilt scenery in the Country. The long tidal sections, created over the centuries by flashy Wealden Rivers carving through the soft coastal chalk, give public rights of navigation well into the heartland of Sussex. From Rye in the Eastern part of the County, small boats can navigate up the River Rother to Bodiam with its magnificent castle just 16 miles from the sea. On the River Arun, in an even shorter distance from Littlehampton Harbour, lies the historic city of Arundel in the heart of the Duke of Norfolk’s estate. But for those with more energetic tastes, Sussex rivers also have plenty to offer. Increased activity by canoeists, especially by Scouting and other youth organisations has led to the setting up of regular canoe races on the County’s rivers in recent years. CARING FOR OUR WATERWAYS The National Rivers Authority welcomes all river users and seeks their support in preserving the tranquillity and charm of the Sussex rivers. This booklet aims to help everyone to enjoy their leisure activities in safety and to foster good relations and a spirit of understanding between river users.
    [Show full text]
  • Dear Consultee PUBLIC CONSULTATION on THE
    Dear Consultee PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE DOMESTIC SAFETY MANAGEMENT REGIME Introduction In 2001 Domestic Safety Management (DSM) was introduced by the Merchant Shipping (Domestic Passenger Ships) (Safety Management Code) Regulations 2001 (Statutory Instrument, SI 2001/3209). The DSM Code requires operators of domestic passenger ships to have a safety management system tailored to their specific operations. This safety management system should include: A health and safety policy Procedures to ensure the safe operation of ships with relevant duties Lines of communication between personnel ashore and afloat Procedures for reporting accidents Procedures for responding to emergency situations The DSM Code was developed to establish a common standard for the safe operation of passenger ships engaged on domestic (operating only in UK waters) trade and it applies to ships of Classes III, IV, V, VI and VI(A)1 and those certified under the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ships) (Safety Code for UK Categorised Waters) Regulations 20102 (SI 2010/680). The objectives of safety management require the shipping company to apply simple and cost effect means of ensuring safety on board ships; preventing human injury and loss of life; and complying with applicable regulations and rules. No two ship operations are the same, and ships vary significantly in size and are employed under a wide range of different locations and conditions. The general principles to the safe operation of ships are consistent however, and can be expressed in such terms that they can be applied to a wide variety of ships. The proposed changes and rationale Existing legislation requires each UK domestic passenger ship to be audited for compliance with the DSM Code twice each year, whereas UK internationally operating passenger ships are only audited for compliance with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code twice in every five year period.
    [Show full text]
  • Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society Newsletter Number 143 July 2009
    Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society - Newsletter Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society Newsletter Number 143 July 2009 Society Chairman, John Blackwell, driving the golden spike on the section of restored track on the northern abutment of the former Selsey Tramway bridge over the Portsmouth and Arundel Canal near Hunston, south of Chichester. See report inside. (Martin Snow) 1 Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society - Newsletter Newsletter 143 Contents July 2009 New Edition of : The History of Chichester’s Canal .................................... 2 Editorial .......................................................................................................... 3 Forthcoming SIAS Events ............................................................................. 3 Events from other Societies........................................................................... 4 SERIAC 2009 ................................................................................................ 6 Part of the Selsey Tramway Reborn ............................................................. 9 De Witt Kilns ............................................................................................... 10 Another Arun bridge to be replaced ............................................................ 12 Update: North Stoke Suspension Footbridge ............................................... 15 The dig for Casher Bridge at Chishester Marina ........................................ 16 Request for information ..............................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Southampton Canal Society Newsletter
    June 1998 Issue 321 The Southampton Canal Society is very pleased to welcome the Day-Star Theatre company to perform for us as part of their 1998 Waterways Tour. The Company that time they have developed a unique style of informal Duffy Marshall known on the cut by his real name Pete comedy theatre which is often performed in whatever but professionally as Duffy. Trained as a drama available space there is in canalside pubs or at teacher and as well as performing he writes all Day- festivals. Their satirical plays are inspired by life on the Star music and scripts. His most recent television waterways but reflect the lives of people everywhere appearances have been in ‘Watching’, ‘Coronation using the highly individual background of the canals Street’ and ‘Brookside’. past and present. Involving many characters the plays are usually performed by just two actors, few props and Jane Marshall as well as performing with Day-Star a minimum of costume and they will take with them the from the beginning has appeared in the film ‘Robin audience, their imaginations, the pub and anything that Hood’, and in ‘Brookside’ and paints traditional just happens to be passing by on a very unusual canalware for canalside shops and gift shops theatrical journey. throughout the country. When not touring the canals and rivers in their current In 1977 Jane and Duffy Marshall moved on board an narrow boat, the ‘Angry Bull’, Day-Star are based at old wooden narrow boat called Day-Star. By 1982 they Audlem in South Cheshire on the Shropshire Union were touring with Day-Star Theatre and this year are on Canal where they also run their school theatre tours their seventeenth summer Waterways Tour.
    [Show full text]
  • Ihe Chichester Ship Canal Chichester Canal Restoration
    THURSDAY 30th. JUNE 7.30pm TALK usED STAMPS, PRTNTER CARTRTDGES, Ihe Chichester Ship Canal Chichester Canal Restoration. An update on the Old or Foreign COINS If you have any spare time and want to make restoration of the canal from Chichester to the sea. UK, Foreign stamps and empty print cartridges can be converted into money! Please leave any new friends and help to improve our At the Council Chamber, West S.C.C. West Street, donations of these items at the Canal Basin Shop environment why not join our friendly bunch Chichester. Tickets f3.00 on the door. for the attention of Linda Wilkinson or post to r of volunteers by helping to staffthe shop or SATURDAY 9th JULY 7.30pm Mikron Theatre Chidham lane, Chidham, Cfiichester POr8 8TL crewthe boats. Please join us to help you in a production of Hell and High Water. At How to find the canal basin... fulfilling way by teaching you new skills. Donnington Parish Hall, Stockbridge Road, By foot from the City Centre walk down South Call Alison or24g 596993 Chichester. Tickets f7.50. the level crossing, the Canal is Street and cross WIIAT'S ON AT THE CAI\AL IN ZOTT Sponsored by Linden Homes. one minute south of the Bus & Rail Stations. The entrance to the canal basin is on Canal Scheduled trips: SUNDAY 10th JULY l0am start. A linear Wharf, just after the Waterside pub. The narrowboat'Egremontt seats up to tz Salterns GUIDED WALK from Lock by If you are coming by car, there are several public passengers.
    [Show full text]
  • Openness & Accountability Mailing List
    Openness & Accountability Mailing List AINA Amateur Rowing Association Anglers Conservation Association APCO Association of Waterway Cruising Clubs British Boating Federation British Canoe Union British Marine Federation Canal & Boat Builder’s Association CCPR Commercial Boat Operators Association Community Boats Association Country Landowners Association Cyclist’s Touring Club Historic Narrow Boat Owners Club Inland Waterways Association IWAAC Local Government Association NAHFAC National Association of Boat Owners National Community Boats Association National Federation of Anglers Parliamentary Waterways Group Rambler’s Association The Yacht Harbour Association Residential Boat Owner’s Association Royal Yachting Association Southern Canals Association Steam Boat Association Thames Boating Trades Association Thames Traditional Boat Society The Barge Association Upper Avon Navigation Trust Wooden Canal Boat Society ABSE AINA Amber Valley Borough Council Ash Tree Boat Club Ashby Canal Association Ashby Canal Trust Association of Canal Enterprises Aylesbury Canal Society 1 Aylesbury Vale District Council B&MK Trust Barnsley, Dearne & & Dover Canal Trust Barnet Borough Council Basingstoke Canal Authority Basingstoke Canal Authority Basingstoke Canal Authority Bassetlaw District Council Bath North East Somerset Council Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust Bedford Rivers Users Group Bedfordshire County Council Birmingham City Council Boat Museum Society Chair Bolton Metropolitan Council Borough of Milton Keynes Brent Council Bridge 19-40
    [Show full text]
  • Waterways Breeding Bird Survey: Progress Report for 2000–01
    BTO Research Report 292 Waterways Breeding Bird Survey: progress report for 2000–01 John H Marchant, David G Noble & L Peter Beaven A report to the Environment Agency June 2002 BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU Registered Charity No. 216652 Citation: Marchant, J.H., D.G. Noble & L.P. Beaven. 2002. Waterways Breeding Bird Survey: progress report for 2000–01. Research Report 292. British Trust for Ornithology, Thetford. © British Trust for Ornithology and the Environment Agency, 2002 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers. BTO Research Report 292 June 2002 CONTENTS List of tables and figures............................................................................................................4 Executive summary....................................................................................................................5 1 Introduction....................................................................................................................7 1.1 The Waterways Bird Survey (WBS)..................................................................7 1.2 WBBS development in Phases 1 and 2..............................................................7 1.3 The scope of this report .....................................................................................8 2 Methods .........................................................................................................................9
    [Show full text]
  • Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) Is a "Live" Document
    Strategic Flood Risk Assessment of Chichester District Council VOLUME II TECHNICAL REPORT July 2008 successful people successful projects successful performance Issue Box The Chichester District Council Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) is a "live" document. The current version is developed using the best information and concepts available at the time. As new information and concepts become available the document will be updated and so it is the responsibility of the reader to be satisfied that they are using the most up-to-date information and that the SFRA accounts for this information. All revisions to this summary document are listed in the table below. Version Issue Date Issued by Issued to Amendments from previous version Draft v1 14/05/2007 Capita Chichester District Council N/A Symonds Ltd Final 29/05/2008 Capita Chichester District Council Major revisions Draft Symonds Ltd Final 29/07/08 Capita Chichester District Council Minor revisions Symonds Ltd Capita Symonds House Wood Street East Grinstead West Sussex RH19 1UU Tel: 01342 327 161 Fax: 01342 315 927 Project manager: George Baker Project director: Marc Pinnell www.capitasymonds.co.uk Contents Index of Maps in Annex A........................................................................................ ii Foreword .................................................................................................................. iii 1. Introduction................................................................................................... 1-1 2. Strategic assessment
    [Show full text]
  • Wey & Arun Canal
    Cruising Map of the Wey & Arun Canal including Wey & Arun Canal and River Arun River Rother Portsmouth & Arundel Canal Route 61M3 Map IssueIssue 117 60 Notes 1. The information is believed to be correct at the time of publication but changes are frequently made on the waterways and you should check before relying on this information. 2. We do not update the maps for short term changes such as winter lock closures for maintenance. 3. The information is provides “as is” and the Information Provider excludes all representations, warranties, obligations, and liabilities in relation to the Information to the maximum extent permitted by law. The Information Provider is not liable for any errors or omissions in the Information and shall not be liable for any loss, injury or damage of any kind caused by its use. PPAAAA 0011 PPAAAA 0022 PPAAAA 0011 This is the September 2021 edition of the map. See www.waterwayroutes.co.uk/updates for updating to the latest monthly issue at a free or discounted price. Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right. All other work © Waterway Routes. Licensed for personal use only. Business licences on request. H NNormallyormally oopenpen PPadwickadwick SSwingwing BBridgeridge H CChichesterhichester CCanalanal CCentreentre ! Swing Bridge CCanalanal WWharf,harf, CChichester,hichester, PPO19O19 88DTDT 0012431243 777171 336363 CChichesterhichester BBypassypass BBridgeridge wwww.chichestercanal.org.ukww.chichestercanal.org.uk FFormerormer SSwingwing BBridgeridge PPoyntzoyntz BBridgesridges ((2)2) BBridgeridge
    [Show full text]
  • D:\WRG\WHATIS~1\What Is
    what is the... So what is it? Waterway Recovery Group... · provides work for hundreds of volunteers helping to restore derelict canals all over Britain. · runs over 20 weeks of Canal Camps every summer and has six regional volunteer groups running weekend working parties all year. · provides a pool of labour, expertise and equipment that has already helped rescue hundreds of miles of our historic waterways from dereliction, and is working towards opening up hundreds more for everyone to enjoy. · publishes the only magazine dedicated to waterway restoration throughout the country, keeping everyone involved in voluntary work informed, entertained and amused. · might be just what you’re looking for if you want to spend your spare time doing something useful and constructive and having a lot of fun at the same time... ...Waterway Recovery Group The reason why… The canals that Waterway Recovery Group By the Twentieth Century the decline was (WRG) volunteers are busy rescuing as accelerating, some waterways were havens of rural tranquillity were once the abandoned and disappeared, and can now transport arteries of the world’s first only to be traced by ancient maps. Others, Industrial Revolution. ignored or sometimes deliberately sabotaged by various authorities that had been entrusted For sixty years, from the late 18th century with their care, lingered on in a sort of twilight onwards, Britain’s inland waterway system existence, mouldering gently, carrying only a expanded to link the country’s rivers, ports, cities small percentage of the traffic they carried in and industrial heartlands. Boats supplied the their heyday. new factories with raw materials and carried away their finished products.
    [Show full text]
  • BUILD a BETTER A27 Situation Summary, Assessment and Recommendations Final Report CHICHESTER A27 BUILD a BETTER A27
    Chichester A27 Reference number 107162 23/05/2018 BUILD A BETTER A27 Situation Summary, Assessment and Recommendations Final Report CHICHESTER A27 BUILD A BETTER A27 IDENTIFICATION TABLE Client/Project owner West Sussex County Council Project Chichester A27 Study Build a Better A27 Type of document Situation Summary, Assessment and Recommendations Final Report Date 23/05/2018 Chichester A27 SYSTRA Situation Assessment and Recommendations Report File name v1.docx Reference number 107162 Number of pages 57 APPROVAL Version Name Date Comments Author David Carter, Katie Hall 23/05/2018 1 Checked by Thomas Boulton 23/05/2018 Final Version Approved by David Carter 23/05/2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. CHICHESTER AND THE A27 6 2. BUILD A BETTER A27 PROCESS 8 2.2 BABA27 GUIDING PRINCIPLES 8 2.3 BABA27 CONFIRMATION OF SUCCESS CRITERIA 9 3. HIGHWAYS ENGLAND AND RIS OPPORTUNITY 11 4. LONG-LIST SUGGESTIONS 12 4.2 ROUTE ALIGNMENTS 12 4.3 LONG-LIST SIFTING PROCESS 14 5. LONG-LIST COMMUNITY FEEDBACK 18 5.2 BABA27 GROUP 18 5.3 OTHER LONG-LIST COMMUNITY FEEDBACK 19 6. SIFTING TOWARDS A SINGLE OR LIMITED NUMBER OF PREFERRED CONCEPTS 22 7. PREFERRED CONCEPTS 26 8. TWO CONCEPTS – ‘MITIGATED NORTH’ AND ‘FULL SOUTH’ 27 8.1 CONCEPT SPECIFICATION SUMMARY 27 8.2 POTENTIAL IMPACT MITIGATIONS 29 Chichester A27 Build a Better A27 107162 Situation Summary, Assessment and Recommendations Final Report 23/05/2018 Page 3/57 8.3 CONCEPT DESIGN ISSUES 35 9. CONCEPT PERFORMANCE SUMMARY 47 10. OUR RECOMMENDATIONS 50 10.2 ‘MITIGATED NORTH’ CONCEPT – NEW STRATEGIC NORTHERN ROUTE WITH FREE-FLOW JUNCTIONS WITH THE EXISTING A27 51 10.3 ‘FULL SOUTH’ CONCEPT – MAJOR WORKS AT ALL SIX JUNCTIONS ON THE A27 INCLUDING FISHBOURNE AND PORTFIELD 51 11.
    [Show full text]
  • Maritime History of Chichester Harbour
    Maritime History of Chichester Harbour Maritime History of Chichester Harbour Rough background notes by Ian Friel, former Principal Curator of Chichester District Museum. History on the Solar Boat, 8th Feb 2005. Itchenor, Bosham Creek, Harbour Mouth Ian Friel sailing up Bosham Channel, probably quoting Bede. Ian with Bosham church in the background The Sussex men that dwell upon the shore Look out when storms arise and billows roar, Devoutly praying with uplifted hands, That some well laden ships may strike the sands, To whose rich cargo they may make pretence, And fatten on the rich spoils of Providence. William Congreve (1670 – 1729) Nowadays, the Harbour is busy with yachts, dinghies and motorboats; it can difficult to see it as place that has seen both trade and war – but it has. Geology and sea level change This history of the Chichester Harbour has to be seen in the context of geology and coastal change. Southern Britain is sinking, and has been for many thousands of years. In geological times, when the sea level was much lower, the Harbour was carved out by rivers flowing south via the Solent River into a possible Channel River. Over the course of time, as sea level rose, the river valleys became the Harbour that we know today. 1 Maritime History of Chichester Harbour Between about 2500 and 1500 years ago, the sea level on the South Coast was 1 or two metres lower than today. This generally means that, whatever land you can see at the edges of the Harbour today, there was more of it in Iron Age and Roman times.
    [Show full text]