Wint, Went by Rose Ferraby

The Hamble Peninsula is defined in many ways by its relationship with water: the wide, busy thrum of Southampton Water and the more winding, furtive course of the River Hamble. This smaller, tidal river winds from the maritime might of Southampton Water up into the quiet fields of Fairthorne. In the present day it is a river of two halves: the lower, deeper section busy with boats, marinas and infrastructure, whilst beyond the motorway bridge it meanders through peaceful woodland.

Yet standing on the shore, it is difficult to get a grasp of the geography of this water-way; to see and hear its submerged stories and hidden histories. So for this piece, we took to the water in the company of maritime archaeologists from the University of Southampton. Led by Fraser Sturt, we took a journey from the mouth of the River Hamble to its upper reaches in a small boat. Along the way we talked about the river’s history, its present day narratives and potential futures. To delve deep into its sub-surface, we used sonar and sound recordings. While the sonar plotted the riverbed and the materials and creatures that shift within the sediments and water, sound recordings were made at particular points along the river using microphones and hydrophones. All together these draw together all kinds of human and non-human voices and narratives, to capture a sense of this river then and now.