Monument record MDO41017 - Probable post medieval trackway, Wimborne Minster

Ditched linear features on the Leaze, Wimborne Minster, are visible on 1940s aerial photographs. The features are presumed to be part of a historic trackway, probably post medieval in date although an earlier origin is also possible. The features may be associated with a ford across the river on the south side of Julian's Bridge, which could potentially be medieval or earlier in origin. They were digitally plotted by the Dorset Stour NMP project.

Ditched linear features on the Leaze, Wimborne Minster, are visible on 1940s aerial photographs (1).

The features comprise a narrow rectilinear ditch, aligned northwest to southeast across the Leaze. At its southeast end it corresponds with a mound (MDO6244) and possible banked causeway of possible medieval origin. At the northwest end there appears to be an angled turn to the west to the river where further short linear ditches on the island in the middle of the river and on the west bank may correspond with it. Together the features potentially indicate a trackway and fording place across the river. The trackway is considered likely to be a post medieval feature but could perhaps fossilise an older routeway; if a ford existed at this point itcould potentially be medieval or earlier in origin.

The site is still open ground on current Google Earth imagery. The main leg of the trackway is still visible and potentially still in use; based on possible relationships with a potential fording place and the mound MDO6244 it was digitally plotted by the Dorset Stour NMP.

<1> Royal Air Force, 12-DEC-46, RAF/CPE/UK/1893 RS 4155-6 (Aerial Photograph). SDO15997.

Record last edited

Apr 4 2023 10:59AM