SDO15236 - Whithill Quarry, Lillington, Sherborne, Dorset. Archaeological Geophysics

‘In August 2013 Bournemouth Archaeology, Bournemouth University’s Archaeology Unit, was commissioned by Sherborne Castle Estates to undertake a geophysical survey on land at Whithill Quarry, Lillington Sherborne. This non-invasive survey was carried out over an area of approximately 1.8 hectares in an attempt to map the extent of any sub-surface archaeological features. The survey was undertaken using the Bartington Grad 601-2, twin sensor array, vertical component fluxgate gradiometer in order to quickly complete a full gradiometer survey of the area, in advance of planning for a proposed extension to the quarry. The survey was prompted by a discovery of human remains to the immediate east in the existing quarry in 2010. Forensic and osteo-archaeology specialists from Bournemouth University attended the site at the request of Sherborne Castle Estates and Dorset Police to help identify archaeologically significant human remains during quarrying activity. The results of this discovery are contained within a separate report entitled ‘Whithill Quarry, Lillington, Sherborne, Dorset – Human remains discovery’ November 2010, issued to Dorset HER on 9th August 2013. This geophysical survey has identified a number of features of archaeological potential across the area. Two positive linear responses which extended beyond the survey area were recorded and are interpreted as representing previous field boundaries. Three additional positive linear responses were also recorded and may be of archaeological significance. A weak positive response was recorded curving across the site along the crest of the slope. The topography of the site in this area slopes gently to the south and this response may be the result of geological variations or an archaeologically significant feature, such as a track or ditch/gully. A cluster of positive responses recorded to the immediate north of this area may also represent geological variations or archaeologically significant features, such as pits. A number dipolar anomalies identified across the survey area may represent ferrous objects within the agricultural topsoil and subsoil. This report comprises the final report on the findings of the survey.’