Monument record SLY 166 - HMS Ganges, Shotley

2009: Geophysical survey was conducted over 4 hectares identified limited evidence of archaeological activity. Small positively linear and area anomalies were idented across the site, which may have been caused by cut features such as ditches of possible archaeological origin. A large amount of magnetic disturbances was noted throughout the survey area and is likely caused by metallic objects and modern activity. A number of moderate strength linear anomalies were identified in the north of the site, consistent with land drains (S3).

2010: An evaluation in advance of a housing development revealed a small number of archaeological features, primarily undated ditches although two separate ditches yielded single sherds of Early Saxon pottery and a third ditch contained a single sherd of Middle Saxon pottery. Three sherds of medieval pottery and a single sherd of possible Roman date were also recovered. An area of late medieval/post-medieval activity was noted on the W road frontage with a number of sherds being recovered from two pits, one of which may have been a well. Despite the area appearing to be unnaturally flat no evidence for extensive landscaping was identified. Included in the Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History annual round up of individual finds and discoveries for 2010 (S5). Full report to follow.

2018: Trenched evaluation of former plying fields at HMS Ganges, Shotley, revealed a low levels of Saxon, medieval and post-medieval activity, primarily in the form of ditches. A probable early post-medieval house site was identified close on the main road frontage (S1). Included in the Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History annual round up of individual finds and discoveries for 2018. (S2)

2022: Evaluation, following on from previous phases of work in 2018 and 2019, identified archaeological features concentrated in the east of the study area. The earliest datable feature was a large Late Iron Age storage pit. A series of shallow ditches, generally aligned either northwest-to-southeast or northeast-to-southwest, may form part of a distinctive prehistoric field system, identified at the site during earlier phases of archaeological work. A crenelated defensive ditch dating to the Second World War was exposed along the northern boundary of the development site. The concrete foundations of a demolished building associated with the naval training facility were also revealed, along with two ditches containing 19th-century material (S4).

2022: A second phase of evaluation demonstrated the potential continuation of Middle Bronze Age activity (identified by excavation in 2019), into the north-eastern part of HMS Ganges. More recent ground disturbance, resulting from the development and subsequent decommissioning of HMS Ganges during the 20th century, was revealed in the central part of the evaluated area.
Included in the Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History annual round up of individual finds and discoveries for 2022 (S4).

Excavation was undertaken across five areas (A-E). Areas A, B, C and E revealed evidence of prehistoric ditches and gullies dating to the Bronze Age. Evidence for medieval and post-medieval activity was uncovered in Areas A, D and E. This took the form of roadside plots, with several large wells and pits yielding abundant medieval and post-medieval pottery and ceramic building material. Modern activity was evident throughout Area A, consisting of frequent square-shaped postholes, many with decayed wood still in place. It is thought that these, along with a large amount of concrete rubble, relate to the many configurations of goal posts and other ephemeral structures associated with the operation of HMS Ganges which is evidenced in photographs hosted on the HMS Ganges Museum website. The northern boundary of Area E also contained the remnants of a crenelated ditch and small square fortification bounded on all sides by mineralised sandbags. These features relate to either World War Two activity or the 1957 filming of the feature film ‘The Yangtse Incident’. Included in the Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History annual round up of individual finds and discoveries.