Method of Fix: Aerial Photograph Interpretation Photograph Number: KCC 1961 Line 6: 2055 Method of Fix: Aerial Photograph Interpretation Photograph Number: KCC Line 32: 1385 Method of Fix: Aerial Photograph Interpretation Photograph Number: KCC 1990 Line 7: 1060 Registration No. ROCHESTER 110961 One of two barges lying inshore on the western edge of Slede Creek, site photographs (1-4). This one is not double-ended and, on the 1967 photograph, less than half her hold appears to be open. The 1967 survey shows her on a low tide apparently unchanged. By 1990 the site vessel appears more deeply buried in the mud. The remains of Silica were reported visible in 1986. She was built at Sittingbourne in 1899. She was owned successively by H Peters, A.P.C.M. and Brice, and noted as derelict in 1939. (5). The barge lies in accreting saltmarsh. Parts of the forward deckare intact with the metal mast step in situ. The cargo hold partition bulkheads are also in situ. The iron knees, and ceiling planking is largely intact. The stern post is collapsing, the top of it is almost gone, though the rudder still attached. The hull stands up to 1m high places. The forward starboard section of the hull is quite collapsed. The stem is facing east. (6)

The barge Silica is first seen on aerial photographs taken in 1946. The outline of the vessel can be made out in the mud on aerial photographs taken in 2007 at TQ 8248 7277. This barge forms part of the Oakham Ness Jetty hulk assemblage (see NMR 1527132) and is likely to be one of the barges recorded in NMR 900731. This vessel was mapped as part of the English Heritage: Hoo Peninsula Landscape Project.

<1> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9566.

<2> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9488.

<3> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9491.

<4> 1946, Photograph (Photograph (Print)). SWX9565.

<5> Society for Spiritsail Barge Research, 1996, The last berth of the sailorman, 9.4.f., Page Nos. N/a (Bibliographic reference). SKE6419.

<6> Wessex Archaeology, 2005, North Kent Coast Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey: Phase ll: Field Assessment Year Two Report (Unpublished document). SWX12323.