SDO13499 - Land at Simsay Fields West, Cerne Abbas, Dorset. An Archaeological Appraisal

‘This report presents the findings of an Archaeological Appraisal undertaken by Context One Archaeological Services Ltd (COAS) on land at Simsay Fields West, Cerne Abbas, Dorset (centred on NGR ST 66717 01310). The Appraisal was commissioned and funded by C. G. Fry and Son Ltd. Recent archaeological investigations of Simsay Fields consist of a geophysical survey (GSB Prospection Ltd 2003), a desk-based assessment (AC Archaeology 2003) and an evaluation (ibid., 2004). Evidence was recovered for archaeological remains in Simsay West spanning the late Saxon/early medieval to post-medieval periods, however these remains appear to be confined to possible remnants of ridge and furrow, field boundaries, agricultural drainage features and an 18th century building with possible earlier origins. Although these remains are not of sufficient archaeological significance to prevent the potential development of the Site, it is envisaged that the development would be dependent upon a programme of archaeological mitigation. Initially this would comprise two further evaluation trenches to investigate the western portion of the Site currently occupied by a paddock and a stable. The results of this evaluation would be submitted in conjunction with a Planning Application. Prior to the start of the development, the Site would be subject to a programme of Strip, Map and Record and subsequent groundworks would be archaeologically monitored through a Watching Brief. The purpose of this would be to clarify the nature and extent of the archaeological features recorded during the evaluation, and to cover the possibility of discovering further remains associated with the complex of Iron Age and Romano-British features in Simsay East. In terms of archaeological setting, Simsay West is visible from the south-eastern earthworks of the abbey precinct (SAM No. 26), however these are probably later landscape garden features. To the north Giant Hill is visible, although the Cerne Abbas Giant (SAM No. 27) is over the crest of the hill. It is uncertain as to whether the Site can be seen from this iconic Dorset landmark or from the ‘Trendle’ earthwork which is perhaps just visible on the hill-top. The settings of the Listed Buildings in the vicinity would not be affected by any proposed development, as only the tower of St Mary’s church is visible from Simsay West. The Site is separated from the Conservation Area to the south and west by a row of modern housing and the surgery. However, the northern boundary of the Site corresponds to the limits of the Conservation Area, with a paddock between the boundary and the cemetery wall to the north.‘