The results of a number of excavations on the Thames waterfront between Tower Bridge and Blackwall have helped us to develop an understanding of the mechanics of reclamation processes, and the construction and use of wharfage into the Thames from the 16th and the late-18th century. This included the excavation of the remains of one of the earliest English Delftware potteries at Wapping (c 1650-1775). An evaluation on the Isle of Dogs revealed hitherto unknown evidence for late medieval (c 14th-century) drainage and fishing, including an eel trap. Major development is proposed for the site of the former Deptford Power Station, and pre-application evaluation has revealed a sequence of late medieval and post-medieval buildings which offer the opportunity to examine the evolution of a major commercial shipyard, developed by the East India Company adjacent to what had previously been a modest fishing settlement at Deptford. Elsewhere on the site, a 17th-century timber dock survives and it is anticipated that a comprehensive sequence of river-fronts will eventually be examined, demonstrating the history of river defences. Scattered remains of the hulks of post-medieval timber boats in areas adjoining the dockyard, close to Deptford Creek, provide important evidence for ship-building, which is expected to be supplemented by reused boat timbers used in the construction of the docks. Large dumps of 17th-century ceramics include kiln waste material. Vessel types include sugar loaf mould fragments indicative of an industrial function, and may have been produced at a pottery known from documentary sources to occupy part of the site.
Further upstream, 4 sites have provided a contrasting picture of the earlier riverside. A more modest 16th-century timber quay and associated foreshore were close to Putney Bridge. Two sites in Mortlake produced complementary evidence of riverside industrial activities which confirmed historic sources by exposing the remains of a 17th-century tapestry factory, succeeded by a stoneware pottery, and a late 18th-century malthouse. Medieval revetments of a relatively flimsy nature were found at Turks Boatyard, in the vicinity of the medieval Borough of Kingston upon Thames. In addition to evidence of the riverside industry and infrastructure, evidence of residential buildings has also been examined adjacent to the Guildhall at Kingston upon Thames and fronting the High Street and Old Bridge Street, Hampton.
The noticeable increase in archaeological work adjacent to the river has emphasised our awareness of the crucial archaeological importance of this resource. This is further demonstrated by our promotion of the Thames Foreshore Survey, in partnership with the Environment Agency, the Museum of London, and University College London. Deposits regularly exposed in the foreshore include further examples of organic deposits dated to 10,000 BP. However, of equal importance are structures in the inter-tidal zone, including earlier bridge abutments, watermans's stairs, barge beds, and timber stake structures, such as fish traps, which have in the past often been overlooked.
