England's Historic Seascapes: Southwold to Clacton
Oxford Archaeology (South), 2007. https://doi.org/10.5284/1000277. How to cite using this DOI
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Resource identifiers
- ADS Collection: 746
- ALSF Project Number: 4729
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1000277
- How to cite using this DOI
England's Historic Seascapes:
Southwold to Clacton
ALSF Project Number 4729
Oxford Archaeology, 2007
Kentish Knock Military Zone
Primary Subcharacter Type:
Military practice area
Main Character / current form and use
This character area is predominantly characterised as a military practice area, named Kentish Knock after the nearby sandbank (see Kentish Knock and Knock Deep). The zone is one of several within the study area used by the Royal Navy for mine laying and mine countermeasure exercises. The area is permanently delineated though access is only restricted during active exercises. Notification of which is given by radio shortly before minelaying takes place.
The area is also a recognised shipping route, transited by bulk and cargo ships, ferries and gas carriers and tankers (Jones et al nd). It is subject to a number of shipping precautions including high speed craft, changing depth, draught restrictions and submarine cables. It is also covered by Vessel Traffic Services (VTS).
The character area is located c 35 km off the North Essex coast and is bounded by Kentish Knock dredging to the west and the South Galloper military zone to the east. In general, the depth of the area varies between 30 and 50 m, though to the south west and in small pockets the depth decreases to 20 m. The tidal range is within the range of 3-5 m at Mean Spring Tide (DTI 2004). The north eastern portion of the character area is gravelly muddy sand and the south west is gravel.
In addition to its main uses, a secondary Royal Yacht Association (RYA) route runs directly through the character area, heading to the continent. The west of the area is also a potential recreational dive site.
Historic Character and archaeological potential
Little is known about the historic character of this area which contains few navigational features, recognisable to the maritime community. In total 13 wrecks are known to be located within the area, six of which are considered dangerous. Wrecks include the Hardingham, Constitution and Mecklenburg which were mined and the Peter Hamre, torpedoed by a submarine.
The potential exists therefore for shipwreck archaeology though it is not expected to be high. In addition, the area has potential to contain submerged prehistoric landscapes, features or artefacts, having been dry land prior to 8000 BP. However, no investigation work is known to have been done in this area.
Character perceptions
The area is only likely to be recognised by shipping communities and the military. The extent of the use of these areas for current military practices is unknown, therefore it is possible that the area is best known as a route for commercial shipping.
Bibliography
DTI, 2004, Mean Spring Tidal Range: Atlas of UK Marine Renewable Energy Resources. Department of Trade and Industry, 2004
Jones, L. A., Coyle, M. D., Evans, D., Gilliland, P.M., & Murray, A. R., Southern North Sea Marine Natural Area Profile: A contribution to regional planning and management of the seas around England. Peterborough: English Nature.
Wikipedia. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org (15/03/2007)
