SDO15537 - Proposed development at Barton Farm, Sherborne, Dorset: Results of archaeological evaluation

'An archaeological evaluation, consisting of the excavation and recording of twenty two machine-excavated trenches was undertaken by AC archaeology on land at Barton Farm and north of Marston Road, Sherborne, Dorset during January and February 2011. The work was undertaken in support of a planning application for mixed residential and employment development, including an area for the construction of balancing ponds. The evaluation followed earlier geophysical survey of the residential development area, which was undertaken in 2008. Trenches in this area were located by GPS, some to target a series of possible geophysical anomalies or areas of magnetic disturbance. The evaluation revealed sporadic evidence for archaeological activity across the proposed residential development area, with further evidence defined in the two areas proposed for the balancing ponds. All of the features present within trenches reflect the anomalies recorded as being of archaeological origin in the geophysical survey. The northern extent of this area contained evidence for Bronze Age occupation, including possible industrial activity. The south west extent also contained Bronze Age activity, represented by part of a substantial probable enclosure ditch which produced a moderate quantity of pottery. However, no associated features or deposits relating to this enclosure were present in any of the trenches in this area. The remaining archaeological features across the site comprised a series of post-medieval or undated linear features , some probably representing former field boundaries. Two further areas of archaeological activity were identified north of Marston road, in the location of the proposed balancing ponds. Two trenches revealed evidence associated with medieval occupation, including structural remains. The vicinity of these trenches includes a series of prominent earthworks, some of which may represent former boundaries or building platforms. A moderate quantity of 11th to 13th century pottery was recovered from deposits in both trenches.'