Monument record BUT 069 - Series of Post Medieval rectangular pits possibly created for shellfish production, visible as earthworks.

A series of rectangular pits of probable Post Medieval or modern date are visible as earthworks on aerial photographs, cut into the saltmarsh on the west bank of the Butley River, Butley Parish, centred on circa TM38655032. The pits vary in size between about 3 x 3m to 12 x 5m. Some of the pits appear to be connected to tidal creeks which may suggest that they were built to allow a flow of fresh water, as required in the cultivation of shellfish. However, some of the smaller square pits appear to be isolated in the saltmarsh, suggesting that their material was excavated for other purposes, possibly the repair and maintenance of the sea walls, and their crisp edges suggest a later date of creation. (S1)