SDO11522 - The Proposed Development of Land for a Retail Store at Christy's Lane, Shaftesbury, Dorset

A desk-based assessment of the archaeological implications of the proposed development of this site has considered available archaeological and historical sources. The principal archaeological interest in the site is that the former Barton Manor House, dating to the Middle Ages, is thought to have been located in the area now occupied by the cattle market. The results of previous archaeological investigations and a review of the documentary evidence suggests, however, that the site may have been located to the north of Christy's Lane and therefore not affected by the development proposals. Other circumstantial evidence for archaeological remains, including medieval pottery and Romano-British coins are recorded from the development area, but their significance cannot be fully assessed from available evidence. A consideration of the practical difficulties of further site evaluation is included.