SDO111 - Land Adjacent to White Pit Farm, Shillingstone, Dorset (centred on NGR ST830106)

An archaeological evaluation was carried out on behalf of the land owners in relation to the proposed development of the land. There were no previously recorded archaeological sites or monuments within the proposed development area and a geophysical survey had had only moderate results. The evaluation suggested that a high-quality Romano-British building had been present possibly comprising a square structure measuring 15m by 15m constructed using flint and sandstone walling with evidence for intact opus signinum and tile floors with at least two phases of construction. Evidence from artefacts suggested that the building had tessellated floors, painted plaster walls, a combination of stone and tile on the roof and underfloor heating. This evidence also indicated occupation on the site from the 2nd to 4th century AD. There was a substantial ditch on the west side and possibly the south. The Romano-British evidence appeared to be confined to the NW portion of the site.