Big bang led to demise of 1815 visitor

A scene like this would well qualify for that one-time competition Spot the Ball, for where is it? Let's hope an expert in the art can work it out. Perhaps it would be more interesting to go across the background in left to right fashion. Beyond the recreation ground and Fort Road is the more than interesting Ark House, way up on a fairly high bank where it arrived from Rye in about 1815. It had been a large black wooden barge but so far no record has come to light as to why it came here and for whom. Later, at the turn of that century, when Sleepers Hole was opened up to shipping, it became necessary for the direct rail track to the sea to be diverted around the western side of the basin, which resulted in much infill around the barge, which then became completely isolated from the water. The semi-detached wooden cottage with its tiled roof had the bedroom in the hull with windows cut into the south-east side. The well-tarred ends of the barge were always visible. Anything from ice cream to fishing bait could be bought from one or the other and one featured a small tea rooms, certainly cosy but the sort of place which encouraged strange imaginations '“ the inclusion of the passing of a smuggler or even a pirate, would not have been amiss. Today, with good parking facilities, it would draw romantics from far and wide! Freddie Waters, one time with a small bakery in Chapel Street and himself an officer in the local fire brigade, from horse-drawn to motor vehicle, was possibly one of the last landlords. His name appears in the story Caroline's Kingdom, in which the Ark House features for more than half of the length. The old and no doubt frail building was badly damaged by the great explosion of 1944 which occurred on the west beach when an ammunition barge went up. Bob Poplett of Peacehaven was involved in its demise and many years later gave a souvenir deck fitting to the museum! So far no hooked armed ghost has appeared! To the right of the old Ark House is the jib of the large fixed electric crane, which, I think, could take a lift of 15 tons. It was still in use into the 1960s, particularly involved with the Dieppe 'Screws' of the joint service. These were the three motor cargo vessels, which were sold off, like the passenger boats, with the coming of the car ferry. Rising up the grass slope is the roof of the military hospital, connected with the Fort and then the large Drill Hall. What a wonderful building that had been. Agreed, the Army was no longer around to need it, but apart from its main purpose, it had hosted many dances and other events. The southern end with its balcony had been a sail-makers' shop with the famous Captain England and the sea dramas he could relate. The last building to the right, where now is the Shakespeare Hall, was the cricket pavilion. At least from there the sun was not in your eyes when watching a game! PETER BAILEY Peter Bailey is curator of the Newhaven Local and Maritime Museum based in its own fascinating premises in the grounds of Paradise Park in Avis Road, Newhaven. Summer opening hours are daily, 2-4pm or by arrangement. Admission 1 (accompanied children free). Contact the curator on 01273 514760. Log on to the website at www.newhavenmuseum.co.uk