EDO4237 - Moule Institute, Fordington, Dorchester; evaluation 1982

Wessex Archaeology undertook excavation of the area proposed for the construction of a new vicarage for St George’s Church, Fordington, in the lawn in front of the previous vicarage building, during July and August 1982. Three areas were investigated but the negative results meant that there was time available to also undertake a small excavation in the grounds of the Moule Institute, which was also suggested for redevelopment. A single 2m by 2m trench was excavated in the southwestern part of the grounds of the Moule Institute (a.k.a. the Moule Memorial Hall and Coffee Tavern), in the former area of the Pound. This indicated that the area had been extensively landscaped with at least 30cm of chalk having been removed and re-spread across the site. The base of a cellar or sunken-floored building of c. 13th century date was revealed cut into the chalk within this trench. Only part of the southern side of this structure was exposed. It survived about 0.6m deep.