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 Dredging
Primary Subcharacter Type:
Dredging (aggregates)
Main Character / current form and use
This character area encompasses a tract of open sea, approximately 18 km x 5 km, to the east of the Kentish Knock Bank, off the North Essex coast. The area is predominantly defined by its history of aggregates dredging. The sediment type in the area is gravelly muddy sand to the east and gravel to the west, making the area viable for such activity. A licensed region known as the Kentish Knock dredging area is operated by Cemex UK Marine, though this may be currently out of use. Dredging activity is related to market demand, therefore activity can be sporadic and difficult to predict (Rogers 1997). This affects fishing activity as actively dredged areas are temporarily closed to commercial fishing.
The area is also transited by cargo ships, tankers, ferries and gas carriers (Jones et al nd) and is directly northeast of the Knock Deep Channel (see Kentish Knock and Knock Deep character area). It is subject to a number of restrictions including high speed craft, submarine cables and traffic separation and is covered by Vessel Traffic Services (VTS). A series of Royal Yacht Association (RYA) routes cross the north of the area, heading out to the open sea. The area is also a potential recreational dive site.
The character area is mostly within the depth range of 20 m to 30 m, though some areas are deeper, with pockets up to 50 m, decreasing to 10-20 m in the southwest corner and in isolated patches.
Historic Character and archaeological potential
Little is known about the historic character of the area and only 13 wrecks are recorded. In total four of these are named, all of which were sunk by collision with mines or torpedoes. These include the Hardingham, Peter Hamre and Mecklenburg. The potential for shipwreck archaeology therefore exists in the area but is not high.
The Albert Close fishing chart of 1953 records that this area was good sole ground in the summer.
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 Kentish Knock dredging character area is generally only known for its dredging history. It is unlikely to be recognised by the local land based community but is well known by the maritime community.
Bibliography
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.
Rogers, S. I., 1997, A review of closed areas in the United Kingdom Exclusive Economic Zone. CEFAS Science Series Technical Report No. 106
Wikipedia. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org (15/03/2007)
