Monument record MDO4663 - Later medieval activity, Westminster Memorial Hospital, Shaftesbury

Industrial activity dating to the 13th-16th century was recorded within the precinct of Shaftesbury Abbey, during archaeological evaluation and excavation by Wessex Archaeology and AC archaeology. The remains of several kilns or furnaces, a pit and a well were found within a walled courtyard.

Archaeological evaluation by Wessex Archaeology in 1994 (1) and subsequent excavation by AC archaeology in 1996 (2)of the area of a proposed car park extension to Westminster Memorial Hospital, Shaftesbury revealed evidence for medieval activity dating to the 13th-16th centuries. The site lay within the precinct of Shaftesbury Abbey.

The later medieval activity comprised a walled courtyard containing several probably contemporaneous industrial structures, including a possible limekiln, at least one other kiln or furnace, other stone structures and a large pit. A well belonging to this phase was also identified. Traces of floor surfaces were identified within the courtyard area. (2)

[This description has been based on the initial assessment report on the archaeological results and may change when the final report is produced.]

<1> Fagan L, 1995, Proposed Car Park Extension to Westminster Memorial Hospital, Shaftesbury, Dorset. Stage 2 Archaeological Evaluation: Machine Trenching (Unpublished document). SDO11516.

<2> Cox, P W, and Tatler, S, 1996, Archaeological Excavation of the Proposed New Car Park at the Westminster Memorial Hospital, Shaftesbury, Dorset. Excavation Assessment Report. (Unpublished document). SDO11517.

Record last edited

Nov 1 2013 3:27PM