SDO14656 - Land at Maiden Newton, Dorset. Results from archaeological trench evaluation

‘An archaeological evaluation, consisting of the excavation and recording of eight machine-excavated trenches, was undertaken by AC archaeology on land at Maiden Newton, Dorset (centred on NGR: 359629 98000) in August 2015. The work was undertaken in support of a planning application for a proposed development. The evaluation followed an earlier geophysical survey, with the trenches being located by GPS to target a series of geophysical anomalies or areas of magnetic disturbance possibly associated with a number of sub-linear earthworks present on the site. All eight of the trenches revealed evidence for archaeological activity, comprising mainly of linear features representing former probable boundary ditches and drainage gullies. A small number of discrete features were also present in some trenches. Although no evidence for domestic occupation in the form of buildings or other types of structure were revealed on the site, a quantity of artefacts indicative of domestic activity was recovered, including pottery dating from the 11th to 13th centuries and a significant assemblage of faunal remains, including butchered animal bone. A small quantity of Romano-British pottery was retrieved from two archaeological features present in Trench 1. Postmedieval activity representing 18th / 19th century quarrying was revealed in Trench 2. None of the earthworks present on the site were specifically targeted, although some trenches were situated on undulating ground which on excavation revealed ground disturbance of relatively modern date.’