EDO8135 - Westleaze, Charminster; geophysical survey 2020

A series of ditch-like features that correspond to similar features in the adjacent field that likely form part of a wider field system of uncertain date. They are not identifiable on historic mapping of the area and are therefore thought to be archaeological in origin. This may relate to the deserted medieval settlement to the west of the site surrounding Wolfeton, but as the evaluation has also established they may have an earlier, potentially prehistoric origin. A series of more irregular and pit-like anomalies have also been located in the centre of the site, which are also thought to relate to archaeological activity. Numerous pits were excavated in the evaluation of the adjacent field and found to contain material dating to the Early/Middle Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age. These were thought to be associated with activity on the periphery to settlement (such as that at Poundbury Camp) and these may represent further evidence of this. However, it is not possible to confirm this based on these results alone. Along the eastern part of the site, the remains of ridge and furrow ploughing activity have been identified widely across the site. This is likely an indication of medieval farming activity and may be contemporary with the deserted medieval village and activity at surrounding Wolfeton. Further evidence of ridge and furrow has been identified to towards the River Cerne, south of the site, which shares the same approximately east-west orientation.