EXPERTS from the Royal Armoury will visit West Bay today (Friday October 16) to examine a ship's cannon found by workmen excavating the old West Pier.
The weapon, around 4ft long, was discovered about a foot beneath the surface of the breakwater which is being demolished as part of the new harbour defence scheme.
Project manager Nick Browning said the cannon was in good condition and being made of cast iron was relatively recent, probably dating from the early to mid 1800s.
He said it was unlikely to have been part of the resort's defences, though.
The most probable answer was that it was cemented into the pier, mouth down, and used as a bollard - a fairly common practice.
"Cannons like this are very common in marine and harbour locations," he said.
"But the experts would have to decide whether this one was in any way unusual."
Mr Browning added: "We have also found a lot of Second World War ammunition while dredging the harbour including 303 and Bren gun cartridges, a revolver cartridge and a couple of very battered antiaircraft shells."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article