Monument record BUT 048 - Post built structure of unknown date and function, possibly a sea defence or World War II beach defence. (Un)

A structure of unknown date and function is visible on aerial photographs of 1945 as a post-built structure centred on circa TM39385010, extending from the edge of the saltmarsh into the inter-tidal area of the Butley river, Butley parish. The structure is circa 38m long, and extends from the edge of the saltmarsh, across the intertidal zone to the edge of central river channel. There are no features marked in this area on either the first or second edition Ordnance Survey maps of circa 1884 or 1904, but the possibility that these features are Post Medieval groynes or jetties cannot be discounted. However, it is felt that a modern date is more likely, and although there are no visible structures strung between or across the posts to form a barrier, it is possible that any such structures might have been removed by September 1945. This feature is one of at least thirty seven such structures visible along the northern half of the Butley River in 1945, most set in matching pairs on either side of the main channel. A similar feature, forming such a pair, can be seen opposite this structure at circa TM39505012 (GED 047). This paired arrangement may support an interpretation as a series of World War II barriers, particularly as they are not visible on any photographs after 1945. (S1-4)