EDO5455 - New library site, Wimborne Minster; observations and recording 1979

Observations during the cutting of a trench for a new surface water drain in the approximate position of a trench excavated by Norman Field in 1975. The front and back of a nineteenth-century brick terraced cottage were revealed at the western (High Street) end of the drain. The footings of the wall on the High Street frontage contained large quantities of re-used medieval masonry and architectural fragments, some from window jambs and transoms. Destruction levels of an earlier building, with an in situ tiled hearth below, were found beneath the construction levels of the brick cottages. The tiles were of 16-17th century date. These features and the architectural fragments were interpreted as indicating the presence of a substantial medieval building to the west on the High Street. The street layout could not be defined.