Monument record MDO19859 - 39 Cheap Street, Sherborne, archaeological evaluation; medieval occupation

Evidence for medieval occupation to the rear of 39 Cheap Street was recovered during an archaeological evaluation in 2004. This comprised a large rubbish pit containing medieval pottery and a possible linear feature only seen in section. These features probably relate to activity at the rear of a medieval building fronting on to Cheap Street but not seen in the evaluation.

AC Archaeology conducted a desk based assessment and archaeological evaluation in advance of proposed residential/ commercial development at 39 Cheap Street during 2004. This comprised a review of historic maps, survey of existing buildings and the machine excavation of two trenches.

Evidence was recovered for activity on the site from the early medieval period. A rubbish pit in Trench 1 [F109] contained large quantities of medieval pottery, animal bone and oyster shell. It was not fully exposed in plan but had a diameter of at least 1.3m and a depth of at least 0.6m. restrictions in working space meant that the feature was not bottomed. It was probably located at the rear of a building not identified in the evaluation. This building would have fronted on to Cheap Street, and have been located beneath the present butcher’s shop.

A further medieval feature [F205] within Trench 2 was only seen in section, although two sherds of medieval pottery were recovered from its fill [1]. It may represent a linear feature at least 0.5m wide and 0.4m deep, with a steeply sloping profile and flat base.

<1> Valentin, J, 2004, 39 Cheap Street, Sherborne, Dorset. Results of archaeological investigations (Unpublished document). SDO10426.

Record last edited

Aug 23 2024 1:08PM