Archaeological monitoring and recording at Kenwith Dam/Valley, Bideford, Torridge

Aug 2025 - Archaeological monitoring and recording was undertaken by South West Archaeology Ltd. (SWARCH) at the request of Geotechnics (the Client) during geotechnical ground investigations associated with a programme of flood defence improvements on land at Copp's Close, Kenwith Valley, Bideford, Devon. This work was carried out by P. Webb in August 2025 in accordance with the Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI; Breslin 2025) agreed with the Senior Archaeologist at the Environment Agency. Feb 2025 - Archaeological recording was undertaken by South West Archaeology Ltd. (SWARCH) at the request of the Environment Agency as part of the works undertaken during repairs to Kenwith Dam on land at Copp's Close, Kenwith Valley, Bideford, Devon. This work was carried out by S. Stevens and A. Morley on 4th February 2025, in line with a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI; Boyd 2025) agreed with the Senior Archaeologist at the Environment Agency. August 2025 - Archaeological monitoring and recording during geotechnical ground investigations identified only further exposure of the retaining wall of the historic route of the Kenwith Stream; the earlier part of this wall dates to the early 19th century and formed part of the flood defences here - the south wall of a culvert with sluice gate that carried the river through an embankment. The later section retained one side of the canalised stream as it approached Northam Road, where it entered a culvert. This system was superseded in 1983 when the current flood defences were built. Feb 2025 - Following the clearance of vegetation prior to repairs to Kenwith Dam, a stone retaining wall was revealed. The earlier part of this wall dates to the early 19th century and formed part of the flood defences here - the south wall of a culvert with sluice gate that carried the river through an embankment. The later section retained one side of the canalised stream as it approached Northam Road, where it entered a culvert. This system was superseded in 1983 when the current flood defences were built.