Nature's Tea Chests;
In the 18th and 19th centuries the masons of the day had built their pier and sea walls in much the same way as later and present masons,
with large stone laid with flat beds, raking surfaces.
Granite and other local rock has differing coefficients of abrasion and loss. The effect is that over the years, pockets develop,
which allow a greater purchase and a ball pressure to be applied. Eventually, joints weaken and local bond goes.
When a stone breaks free, it then becomes a battering ram held in the grip of the waves.
The effect in 1817 is the same as now. Here are two pictures separated by two weeks.
The upper one shows the loss on the secondary wall, three of the stones are left on the shingle, others have migrated.
The lower picture shows the corner of the lower section completely broken away,
and just two new stones can be seen, one of the older breaks has been moved.
Where the other stones are, is anyone's guess. All of this despite the best of attempts to rod the stones together.
In the battle between Man and Nature, I know who to place my money on every time.
In 1817, the sea lifted stone blocks of a ton as if they were tea chests.
The side effect of creating an anti-curve to the sea wall to prevent wave encroachment on the road,
is that it increases the pressure on the lower section of the wall section, and increases the spread and backwash effect on the foreshore.
Raymond Forward
