EDO6384 - Land at Worgret Road, Wareham; evaluation 2011

The evaluation was commissioned by Bloor Homes prior to development of the site for housing and following a geophysical survey. The aim was to target areas of potential identified by the geophysical survey. Eight trenches were excavated across the site measuring 1.6m wide. Trench 1 was located in the south west of the site and aligned SE/NW. A large pit was found containing a large steel rod. Two linear features were found both interpreted as contemporary with the use of the area as a military camp in the early 20th century. There was one shallow linear cut thought to be agricultural in origin. Trench 2 was aligned E/W and contained a large linear cut 1.80m wide and 0.40m deep. This contained the remains of a drainage sump made of red brick and containing an iron pipe. This was interpreted as being associated with the camp and related to a further sump north of Trench 5. Trench 3 was perpendicular to 2 and aligned N/S. A substantial ditch cut was recorded here and also in trenches 5 and 6, measuring apx 4m wide and excavated to 1.15m deep. No diagnostic artefacts were recovered. Three land drains and a pit cut were found all thought to be contemporary to the camp. Trench 4 was located to the east of the site and aligned E/W. The anomalies previously identified were resolved to be large areas of modern disturbance in the form of metal reinforcement rods and clinker type material most likely associated with military use. Trench 5 was located to the west of the site and a substantial ditch cut found as mentioned above. A pit and red brick drainage sump were also recorded. Trench 6 was located N/S over the projected alignment of the ditch. One sherd of 2nd to 3rd century pottery was recovered under the primary layer. Trench 7 was located in the north eastern area aligned E/W. Two linear cuts were investigated, one likely to be a plough furrow and the second possibly a small ditch. Trench 8 was aligned E/W to target several anomalies however these appeared to be large areas of modern disturbance associated with the military camp. The sherd found in Trench 6 is indicative of Roman activity nearby and two other sherds of Roman pottery from the same period were found in Trenches 1 and 3. Other ceramic material was found in the topsoil of all trenches and one sherd of military pottery was found probably from a cup belonging to an Australian soldier. The origin of the ditch was uncertain but likely to be earlier than the camp. It may be part of the dyke system on Wareham Common to the west. The other features noted were associated with the construction of the military camp or modern agricultural activity.