CITiZAN and the MAT worked together to record the archaeological remains on Oyster Island, Langstone Harbour in Jan 2017. The site was last surveyed in the mid 1990’s as part of the Langstone Harbour Project. At the time the remains were interpreted as a WWI Observation Post and Searchlight base (Allen & Gardiner, 2000:107). However, further research suggests that the building foundations actually relate to the ‘Oyster Catchers House’, thought to have been built in 1819 by the Russel family as part of their oyster business. It is unclear whether the house was demolished in the 1950’s, or if it was destroyed in WWII as the area was used as a decoy site. Photo copyright Gez Groom. More information about the house can also be found online at http://www.portsdown-tunnels.org.uk
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