SDO13976 - Manston House, Manston, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, Archaeological Watching Brief Report

‘Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Johnston Cave Associates acting on behalf of Mr and Mrs Swire to undertake an archaeological watching brief during a proposed development at Manston House, Manston, Sturminster Newton, Dorset. The fieldwork consisted of an archaeological watching brief which monitored excavation of foundation trenches for new extension and a hand dug cable trench in the churchyard. The fieldwork was undertaken on two separate occasions between May 2013 and April 2014. The watching brief has indicated the presence of another structure to the south of the 17th century wing of the house. The slight misalignment may suggest it pre-dates the 1690 building and indeed there are no indications of any original entrances within the south wall to suggest that it communicated with a more southerly wing. It seems likely therefore that these walls are of the pre-1690 house, mentioned in 1635, which was subsequently demolished. However, no positive dating evidence could be obtained for the structure. The depth at which the river terrace deposits were encountered would seem to suggest that the ground originally sloped down to the river from a point further to the east and that the current level promontory may be partially an artificial construction. The cable trench in the churchyard was dug in direct proximity to the existing graves, yet no archaeological remains were recorded and no finds retained. This is due to relative small depth of the trench and the fact that ground was previously disturbed.’