EDO6143 - New Barn Farm, Knowlton, Woodlands; evaluation 2013

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Smiths Gore to undertake an archaeological trial trench evaluation prior to development at New Barn Farm, consisting of the conversion of a Grade II Listed barn and stable into two dwellings, the reinstatement of a derelict farm building to the south-west and improvements to extant buildings and farmyard. A planning application for the development, including a Listed Building Consent, was submitted to East Dorset District Council in May 2012 (Ref. no. 3/12/0467/FUL and 3/12/0468/LBC). The site is located within the Group of Henge Monuments at Knowlton, a Scheduled Monument, and following a Ground Penetrating Radar survey at the site, the Inspector of Ancient Monuments at English Heritage and the County Archaeologist at Dorset County Council agreed a small number of targeted trenches would be necessary to further inform the planning application and required Schedule Monument Consent (SMC). The works consisted of five trenches, ranging from 2m to 15m by 1.80m located in areas of proposed development within the site. Two modern features which related to the disturbance caused by the former use of the site as a working farm were observed. No prehistoric features or deposits relating to the henge monument were encountered and the results indicate the area has been somewhat disturbed and truncated as a result of its former use.