EDO5063 - The Slype, Sherborne School; excavations

Gem and Keen directed archaeological excavations to the north of The Slype, Sherborne School between 1972 and 1976 in advance of major work to bring The Slype and the room above into school use. 'The area chosen for excavation was within the school grounds and was crossed by a gravel road, which remained in use. The excavations were therefore divided into two main parts.' 'The greater part of the east range of the cloister was uncovered, including the Chapter House. Excavations were also undertaken..' within The Slype itself. The excavations have recently been published as part of DNHAS monograph 16 (2). In 1976 'Excavations... were concluded by Keen, Thackray and Gem... which revealed further evidence of the pre-conquest monastic layout. Parts of the north wall of the abbey and south wall of the chapter House were also exposed.' (2)