EDO6377 - Proposed extension to burial ground at St Nicholas Church, Studland; evaluation 2011

Eight trenches were dug by machine to investigate anomalies identified during geophysical survey. Six trenches measured 10m by 1.6m and two 5m by 1.6m, and archaeological deposits were observed in four of them. Trench 1 (aligned NW-SE and 10m by 1.6m) revealed a linear feature with a filling of similar composition to the topsoil and a sub-circular feature with maximum diameter 0.35m, interpreted as a probable post hole, and containing a piece of medieval pottery. A piece of Romano-British pottery was recovered from the filling of the ditch. Large quantities of fired clay were found at a depth of approximately 650mm in Trench 5 (NE-SW and 10m by 1.6m). Two slots excavated through this deposit revealed remnants of a burnt clay structure thought to be a hearth. Fragments of briquetage were found, suggesting possible salt working on the site or nearby. Trenches 7 and 8 were aligned NW-SE and positioned adjacent to each other on level ground in the most low-lying area of the site. Archaeological features of Late Iron Age or Romano-British date were revealed below 1.25m in 7 and 1.15m in 8 and a small quantity of pottery sherds at the base of each trench. These were not further investigated. Flint flakes were also found, of types consistent with industrial activity on the site.