EDO7817 - 2 North St, Wareham; evaluation 2021

Two archaeological trial trenches were positioned at the rear of No. 2 North Street, Wareham (NGR 392369, 087418). The trenches measured 3 x 1.6m and were excavated to a depth of 0.9-1.4m below the ground surface. The depth of deposits sealing the archaeology comprise a dark soil horizon, of post-medieval date, which is considered relatively ubiquitous across Wareham. In Trench 1, medieval features were identified directly below the post-medieval soil, while in Trench 2 a medieval soil horizon was identified which sealed further medieval features. Two medieval pits and a curvilinear ditch were revealed within Trench 1, at a depth of 1.3m. The restricted nature of the works prevented full excavation of features within this trench, however one pit and the ditch were partially excavated to confirm the nature of these and to characterise them via the recovery of datable artefactual evidence. Pottery of a late 10th to early 12th century date was recovered from pit F105. In Trench 2, at a depth of 0.9m, a further pit was revealed, which was cut by a gully; both were investigated and shown to possess depths of 0.3 and 0.2m respectively. These features contained artefacts of 13-14th century date. An additional pit or linear was identified on the eastern edge of Trench 2. This extended outwards, making thorough investigation of this feature impossible. Similar may be said for a further linear, or possible robbed out wall foundation, identified at the southern end of Trench 2. Partial excavation of this feature, F209, revealed relatively large amounts of building debris, mortar, stone and ceramic building material along with post-medieval pottery. Cumulatively, the evaluation showed that medieval deposits occur within the footprint of the proposed development, and there appears to be relatively little later disturbance and truncation. These deposits range in date from the late 10th century to the post-medieval period and have the potential to provide information relating to the early development of the town, along with its rise to prominence as Dorset’s principal high medieval economic centre, before its subsequent relegation by Poole in the later medieval period.