| Abstract: |
The 2012 evaluation comprised eight trenches, and recorded an enclosure ditch (F506), which conformed to the ditches, 177 and 178, recorded by the 2015 investigation. Further evaluation of the site in November 2014 (CA 2014) confirmed a Bronze Age date, which contradicted the late Neolithic date suggested by the 2012 evaluation (AC 2012).
Five individual excavation areas were targeted on the results of the two previous archaeological evaluations (AC 2012 & CA 2014). Area A measured approximately 10 x 12 m, Area B measured c. 12 x 15 m, Area C measured c. 15 x 22 m, Area D measured c. 15 x 45 m and Area E measured c. 10 x 15 m (Fig 2). Exposed archaeological features were hand-excavated and planned, following the machine stripping of topsoil within individual excavation areas. Nine environmental samples were retained from seven features. An archaeological excavation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology in March and April 2015, at the Former Milldown School, Blandford Forum, Dorset. The fieldwork consisted of five separate excavation areas (Areas A – E), which targeted a series of features identified in two previous evaluations. Excavation Area D identified two sides of a Middle Bronze Age ditched enclosure, with evidence for relatively short-lived domestic settlement. Finds, including moderate quantities of pottery, confirmed the domestic character of the enclosure. The relatively well-preserved and decorated pottery group was representative of the local Deverel-Rimbury tradition, dating to c.1600 – 1000 BC, and represents a significant addition to the regional record. Limited plant macrofossil evidence recovered from the site indicated that the processing of cereals took place within the enclosure, and faunal remains included evidence for the rearing of cattle and sheep or goats. Tentatively-dated later prehistoric pottery from Area D, and early Roman pottery from Area A, indicated later episodes of activity on the site. |
