Monument record 4843 - Mersey Flats at Spike Island

<1> Stammers M (ed), 1999, Mud Flats. Archaeology in Intertidal and Inland Waters around the Mersey Estuary., p.42-5 (Report). SCH5366.

This was immediately to the east of the entrances to the St. Helens Canal and Widnes dock. It had been subject to erosion over a long period and a number of derelict flats had been dumped there both as protection and as a means of quick disposal.

The survey undertaken in 1978 made a plan of the disposition of the flat remains and a detailed survey of the frames and bottom planking of the Eustace Carey. The only other vessel that could be identified was the John and William, a jigger flat built in 1878 and owned by the United Alkali Co, which lies alongside the Eustace Carey. The Eustace Carey was a coastal sailing flat launched in 1905 for the United Alkali Co. by Clare and Ridgway of Sankey Bridges on the St. Helens Canal, for the carriage of cargoes between Flint on the Dee estuary and Fleetwood. It was larger than the average flat and ketch rigged and was known locally as a jigger flat.

In 1999 the remains of the Eustace Carey and the John and William were inspected and were found to be in good condition. The remains of the other flats were still visible but are not in such good condition.

<2> The GeoInformation Group, 2005, 1940s RAF Aerial Photographs from Operation Review, 106G UK 626, 10/08/1945 (Aerial Photograph). SCH4608.

The remains of about six flats and a number of smaller craft are visible on this aerial photograph.

<3> Various, Various, Oral communication to the HER, Watson M, 10/09/2010 (Oral Communication). SCH2330.

This area of shore appears to be grassed over.

<4> Various, Various, Oral communication to the HER, Raybold R, 20/06/2019 (Oral Communication). SCH2330.

Durig a site visit in 2019 approximately four hulks were identified on an outer bend of the north side of the estuary, on the eastern bank of Spike Island (photographs included).