Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

REMAINS OF BRITISH BARGE, LAPWING

Monument Types

• WRECK (visible 1986 and 1990, Post Medieval to Modern - 1893 AD to 1939 AD (between))

Full description

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Method of Fix: Aerial Photograph Interpretation Photograph Number: KCC 1961 Line 6: 2050 Registration No. LONDON 102809 One of 8 barges lying at the edge of the marsh. KCC 1961 Line 7: 6858 Shows the group on the intertidal mud at low tide. This can be compared with KCC 1967: 1393 on which the group appear rather deeper in the mud. The area is not covered on the 1985 survey. On the 1990 survey (KCC 1990 Line 8: 0146) the group is visible but appears to have become more covered by mud. Those to the north are particularly difficult to discern as separate entities. Lapwing was built at Halstow by Letley in 1893. She was owned by Eastwoods and also by the War Department. She is noted as sailing until 1939, then as derelict, and her remains as visible in 1986 (1).

Position taken from 1946 aerial photograph (2,3). Contradicts alignment in (1). Vessel identified during 2002 survey and comprises a wooden vessel with iron fastenings - bow and stern intact. Port side slightly broken up and starboard one intact. No rudder but has fastenings for it. Possibly a thames barge stemhead barge (4).

<1> Society for Spiritsail Barge Research, 1996, The last berth of the sailorman, 9.3.g., Page Nos. N/a (Bibliographic reference). SKE6419.

<2> 1947, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9805.

<3> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9516.

<4> Wessex Archaeology, 2002, North Kent Coast Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey Phase II: Field Assessment (Pilot) (Bibliographic reference). SWX11840.

Sources and further reading