Monument record MDO19334 - West of Millstream, Christchurch (site W10); late medieval activity

Excavation adjacent to the west bank of the Mill Stream, Christchurch, during 1981 (site W10), revealed evidence for small scale late medieval activity and possible occupation represented by pits and a hearth dating from the 13th-15th centuries.

Wessex Archaeological Committee conducted an excavation adjacent to the west bank of the Mill Stream, Christchurch, during 1981(site W10). The results were subsequently published in PDNHAS volume 105 (Davies 1983).

The excavation revealed evidence for small scale late medieval activity and possible occupation represented by pits and a hearth dating from the 13th-15th centuries.

Pit [28], roughly oval in plan, 1.16m x 0.75m, was 0.45m deep. Its proximity to rubble feature [16] and a series of indentations in its base suggest that it may have been a robbing pit for stone rubble derived from the medieval town wall. Pottery from its fill includes 12th century types, but also 13th-14th century material.

Pit [85] was roughly sub-circular, c. 0.70m across and 0.3m deep and contained little dating evidence. Pit [91] , roughly 0.90m in diameter and 0.30m deep, produced pottery which suggested a 13th century date for its use.

The hearth feature [29] was roughly pyriform in plan, 1.30m x 0.98m and was between 0.06m and 0.15m deep. It was filled with fragments and thick lenses of charcoal and irregularly arranged burnt stones. The latest pottery from it was 15th century.

Davies, S M, 1983, Excavations at Christchurch, Dorset, 1981 to 1983; Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 27-33 (Article in serial). SWX4065.

Record last edited

Oct 29 2024 4:31PM