EDO3793 - Heathcote House Evaluation, Icen Way, Dorchester, Trench 2

AC archaeology undertook an evaluation of the grounds of Heathcote House, Icen Way, Dorchester in August 1991. Two trenches were excavated. These revealed a broad trend of soil accumulation from southeast to northwest. One possible Roman feature was revealed together with two undated features. Most of the layers and features were 19th century in date. Trench 2 measured 27m x 1m, was aligned NW-SE and located to the west of the development area, near to the old Heathcote House. It was excavated to a depth of 0.94-1.24m onto natural chalk. Above the chalk was a layer of possibly periglacial clay, below a post-medieval soil accumulation. Two parallel linear features cut the clay subsoil, aligned NE-SW, one containing a single sherd of medieval pottery, and the other a single sherd of Romano-British pottery (together with worked flint and bone). Other modern features may be associated with a sewer.