SWX8539 - Bonnett's Lane, Wareham, Dorset, Archaeological Evaluation

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Fraser and Partners, on behalf of their clients Twynham Housing Association Ltd, to carry out an archaeological evaluation on land at Bonnett's Lane, Wareham, Dorset (SY 9245 8751). The site lies within the defences of the historic town of Wareham and remains of the Iron Age, Roman, Saxon and medieval periods have been recorded in the area. The evaluation sought to establish the likely archaeological content of the site and to provide information to assess the likely impact of proposed development on buried archaeological remains. The evaluation recorded evidence for medieval (12th-14th century) features and deposits adjacent to the Howard's Lane frontage in the south of the proposed development area. The recorded archaeological features included post-holes, pits, a well foundation and ditches. A collection of pottery of 12th to early 14th century date was recovered and environmental sampling demonstrated that the medieval deposits contain well-preserved charred plant remains. In addition, a medieval soil layer was recorded in the north of the site, and all these medieval deposits were sealed below up to 1.4m of dark soil containing material of late medieval and post-medieval date.