EDO6496 - 45 South Street, Bridport; observations and recording 2017

The watching brief was commissioned by Spetisbury Construction Ltd prior to the redevelopment of the site. An evaluation in 2011 had identified medieval and post-medieval features on the site. Eight test pits were excavated by machine, prior to stripping of the site to levels determined by the intended construction levels. Archaeological remains were observed in three clusters on the 0.2ha site. The earliest recorded were two large ditches identified as medieval through pottery finds and probably part of the medieval burgage plot system. A series of intercutting pits in the northwest corner of the site were revealed containing datable material including pottery, clay pipe, glass, metalwork and bone. The pits were recorded as post-medieval. Footings of an older building were also recorded.