History

The development of the creek can be seen in the following maps.

A 1625 map shows a tidal creek extending into Alverstoke village.

On the 1810 map, the wall at the head of the creek can be clearly seen. The role of the wall was for loading and unloading barges containing heavy building materials for the construction of the Monckton and Gilkicker Forts. The barges would have sailed up on the flood and left on the ebb.

The 1890 map shows the bridge carrying the railway to Stokes Bay.

The creek reportedly in 1898 but possibly later as the Brodrick Hall was not built until 1908. The Kickergill was built in 1658 and demolished in 1965.

A sill and sluice gate were added beneath Jackie Spencer's Bridge in 1972 creating a semi-tidal lake. The planning document that follows interestingly shows that the purpose of the weir was to enable the lake to be used for junior sailing purposes at all states of the tide. It also states that Little Anglesey Viaduct and  Road and Little Anglesey Road are vested in the Borough Council.

St Mary's Junior Sailing Club has been in existence since 1967 and numerous youngsters aged 9 to 15 have enjoyed weekend afternoons learning to sail.