EDO6256 - Catmead, Mill Street, Puddletown; evaluation 2001

Archaeological evaluation comprising the machine excavation of three trenches, with the aim of assessing water meadow earthworks on the site and their relationship to a raised area on the eastern side of the site, and to determine whether Bronze Age remains recorded to the south extend into the site. Three trenches 1.6 metres wide were excavated by machine using a toothless bucket, removing deposits in spits until either archaeological remains or natural deposits were revealed. The depth of topsoil was relatively consistent across the site, at around 200mm. Trench 1 was 18.8m long and positioned to cut across two sets of linear earthworks identified as water meadow drains. Trench 2 was 13.7 metres long and placed to investigate the relationship between the raised eastern side of the site and probable water meadow features to the west. Trench 3 was 17.6m long and set at right angles to Trench 2 in order to investigate the raised area and the postulated 'Tail Drain' of the water meadow system. All three trenches produced evidence to characterise the water meadow system. Beneath this were medieval features, including ditches a post hole and a pit, which contained pottery of 10-11th and 12-13th century date. The ditches were not on the same alignment as the water meadow system. A small quantity of residual worked flint, including a scraper of probable Bronze Age date, was found.