Merthen Quay Including Revetment Adjoining on South West

Merthen Quay is a quay located on the Helford River estuary, dating from the early 19th century. It is constructed from massive dressed granite blocks, with sides made of pitched slate rubble topped with dressed granite coping and quoins. The quay has a rectangular shape and extends into the estuary. The end wall features large dressed granite blocks that resemble ashlar. At the center of the outer end, there is a narrow recess with a circular opening at the top, which is surrounded by substantial pieces of dressed granite with intricately keyed joints. The blocks around this opening are cantilevered out, likely designed for loading at low tide. The sides of the quay are made of pitched slate, which has partially eroded, causing some of the granite coping to fall; this coping is secured by iron staples. On the west side of the quay, there is a revetment made of dressed granite blocks set vertically into the foreshore. The quay may have been linked to a limekiln located immediately to the north. Historian Charles Henderson mentions the foundations of a small circular building near the quay, which he suggests could have been a kiln for burning kelp.