Medmerry
The Medmerry Reserve, located south of Chichester, was the UK's first and largest open coast managed realignment project. During its construction, significant archaeological discoveries were made, shedding light on coastal settlements from various historical periods. Up to 15 archaeologists were working on the site at any one time to process the large volume of archaeological finds.
Neolithic Period (c. 4000 - 2500 BC): Early Neolithic pottery fragments and vessels, which would have been used in everyday life, were discovered, doubling the number of findings of this kind on the Sussex coastline.
Bronze Age (2500 - 750 BC): Numerous archaeological features, including 5 large and small round huts, fields, water management systems, 'burnt' mounds, and cremation areas, were revealed by the archaeology team.
Part of a late Neolithic pottery vessel, found in a pit during the Medmerry Realignment in 2013. ©Archaeology South-East/UCL 2021
Remains of a probable middle Bronze Age building under excavation on the line of the new perimeter embankment and ditch. Found during the Medmerry Realignment in 2013. ©Archaeology South-East/UCL 2021
A middle Bronze Age burnt mound in Borrow Pit 8. Flints were heated in a fire and then immersed in water to heat it up, perhaps for cooking. Found during the Medmerry Realignment in 2013. © James Kenny 2013
Part of a late Neolithic pottery vessel, found in a pit during the Medmerry Realignment in 2013. ©Archaeology South-East/UCL 2021
Roman Period (AD 43 - 410): Excavations uncovered good-quality mid-Roman pottery, a cremation site with symbolic vessels, and a large millstone, suggesting a high-status settlement was located nearby.
Medieval Period (AD 1066 - 1485): The discovery of a 150m timber fish weir (trap), in addition to ditch systems and wells around where Easton and Ham farms are located today, suggests relatively large medieval settlements thrived during this period.
Three late Roman pottery vessels, perhaps deposited in a feature related to human cremation burial. Found during the Medmerry Realignment in 2013. ©Archaeology South-East/UCL 2021
Part of a medieval century fish weir under excavation. Upright sails were of oak, with runners of willow and poplar woven between to create wattles. Found during the Medmerry Realignment in 2013. © James Kenny 2013
A post-medieval well lined with chalk blocks. It was probably used to water animals in the fields. Found during the Medmerry Realignment in 2013. ©Archaeology South-East/ UCL 2021
Three late Roman pottery vessels, perhaps deposited in a feature related to human cremation burial. Found during the Medmerry Realignment in 2013. ©Archaeology South-East/UCL 2021
For more information about Medmerry's history, archaeological finds, and the process of creating the reserve, visit:
The Manhood Peninsula Partnership | Archaeology at Medmerry
Southern Coastal Group | Medmerry Managed Realignment