Quay Wall at American Wharf

The quay wall at American Wharf is a structure from the 18th century or earlier, made of squared and coursed stone. It runs alongside the Chapel Mills Steam Mill and store. The wall begins directly opposite the east wall of the warehouse, extending approximately 6 metres east-west, then returning to a north-south run of about 20 metres. At the northern end of the exposed wall, there is a section of sheet steel piling that is set forward from the assumed wall position by about 2 metres, running approximately 13 metres. It is likely that the original stone wall is covered by rubble backfill behind this piling. The wall is primarily constructed of well-cut squared blocks and generally lacks coping, although there is a section with concrete coping on the east-facing run. Beyond this section, the wall has either been replaced or significantly altered by mass concrete facings or additions, which are not of special interest. The quay wall adjacent to the former Steam Mill is an important historic feature in the Port of Southampton and retains its recognisable early state despite considerable later modifications in the surrounding area.