A fascinating historical discovery has been made during the £29.89 million renovation project of Armada Way in Plymouth. Contractors unearthed a section of an ancient drain, known as Drake’s Leat, which dates back to the 16th century and was commissioned by none other than the legendary Sir Francis Drake.
What Is Drake's Leat?
Drake’s Leat is an artificial water trench that was constructed in 1591 to supply water to the city of Plymouth. Running 17 miles from the River Meavy to the sea, the leat was a critical part of the city’s water system for several centuries. Sir Francis Drake, famed for his role in defeating the Spanish Armada, was granted leases for six water mills along the course of the leat.
The Discovery
The section of the leat uncovered during the renovation works was buried several meters underground, but it was exposed as part of the preparatory work for the Armada Way redevelopment. The City Council has commissioned AC Archaeology to document and preserve the condition of the discovery, following best practices to ensure the historical feature is carefully recorded before it is re-covered.
A Glimpse into Plymouth’s Past
Councillor Mark Lowry, who champions the city center's development, noted that this section of Drake’s Leat is particularly interesting because it was reconstructed during the Victorian era to support local industries. The industrial revolution saw factories and foundries spring up in the area, many of which used water from the leat. Victorian-era maps show the presence of an iron works, sawmill, and dye works where businesses like SpecSavers, Barclays, and B&M are located today.
The section of the leat discovered today was once at street level, but over time, the landscape changed significantly. The area was rebuilt after World War II, with Blitz rubble used as infill.
Incorporating History into the Regeneration
As part of the Armada Way Regeneration project, the city plans to highlight the historical significance of the leat. A new water play area will follow the original path of the leat, and metal markers will be installed to guide visitors along the direction and flow of the water.
Decline of the Leat
By the early 1800s, the leat had fallen out of use as new reservoirs were constructed to serve the growing population of Plymouth. The leat was eventually covered up in the city center to prevent pollution and reduce hazards to pedestrians, particularly children. New iron pipes were laid in 1826, and several additional reservoirs were built in the mid-to-late 1800s at locations like Crownhill, Hartley, and Roborough.
This discovery offers a rare and exciting glimpse into Plymouth’s rich history and the impact of Sir Francis Drake’s influence on the city's development.
