SDO15203 - Barton Farm, Sherborne, Dorset. Geophysical Survey Report

‘The scanning and subsequent detailed survey has revealed an unusual pattern of response across the application area. This is characterised by a series of very strong ditch type anomalies that clearly have archaeological potential. However, they are difficult to correlate with each other, given the lack of a wider context, but their similar response characteristics would certainly suggest that they are related. The most interesting examples are an isolated 80m length of ditch, with a distinct curve at the eastern end, and a rectilinear ditch forming two sides of what could be an enclosure. Both terminate very abruptly with no geophysical evidence of a continuation and, in the case of the former, very few other associated archaeological anomalies. The partial enclosure appears to have an ‘entranceway’ on the southern side; and immediately to the north are a series of strong pits potentially containing burnt or fired material. Weaker linear anomalies have also been recorded which are likely to be of archaeological interest, although in some cases the potential for drains or former field boundaries cannot be ruled out. A number of faint pit-like anomalies of indistinct origin (there is little evidence to suggest either an anthropogenic or natural source) have been detected across the site.’