EDO5580 - Chantmarle (former Police College), Cattistock; desk-based assessment 1995

Wessex Archaeology carried out an archaeological assessment in order to determine if a planning application for the former Police Training College at Chantmarle would have any potential impact on buried archaeological deposits. The assessment comprised of a search of documentary evidence, including the Sites and Monuments Record, National Monuments Record, material from the Dorset Records Office, and Dorchester Library. A search of information about previous ground disturbances, including modern building construction and boreholes was carried out, followed by a site visit. For the study, a 2km square area was designated, centred on Chantmarle House. The site visit was carried out on 12th December, and included a systematic walkover. Very few known archaeological sites or recorded finds are recorded in the study area. An un-provenenced Roman roof tile is the only pre-13th century find, along with field systems and a possible Iron Age settlement on the eastern slopes of the Frome Valley. Chantmarle House and its gardens however have been occupied since the early 13th century, and are of exceptional architectural and historical importance.