SWX8300 - The new summerhouse in the Grounds of The Old Gatehouse, Abbotsbury, Dorset

Ann Woodward undertook an archaeological watching brief in the week beginning 22nd May 1995 during ground works to the rear of the Old Gatehouse, Church Street, Abbotsbury. The groundworks cut through earthwork terraces associated with the site of the former medieval buildings of Abbotsbury Abbey. The examination of the builders' trenches showed that these terraces had been partially levelled during the construction of a swimmimg pool. Furthermore, an examination of historic maps suggested that these terraces had been reduced in extent between the time of the 1st edition OS map (1886) and the publication of the RCHM Dorset volume (1952). A layer of mixed cultivation soil and clay with slate occurring near the top was interpreted as the make-up of an earthwork defining the boundary of the abbey precinct in the medieval period. Various sherds of post-medieval glazed earthenware have been collected by the gardener.