Monument record MDO2289 - Medieval farmstead, Copse Mead, Puncknowle

Earthworks of a medieval farmstead identified in a meadow known as Copse Mead. Visible on aerial photographs and digitally plotted for the South Dorset Ridgeway Mapping Project.

(Area centred SY54518812) At the northern end of a long, grass covered field are a number of scarps and banks. These average 0.5m high. The field slopes downwards from W to E and at the E side is a small stream. There are three platform-like features. Two, at the upper and W side of the field are roughly square in plan, with sides of approximately 35.0m. The third is lower down the slope and smaller in size. The site has the appearance of a small area of depopulation, perhaps of medieval date. There has been recent disturbance across the area with the laying of water pipes, but in the upcast from this activity and the numerous molescrapes only two small sherds of fine quality brown unglazed pottery were found. No information was obtained in the locality about the site. See also AP CPE/UK/1824/3309. <1>

SY 545882. Deserted medieval farmstead between two streams in a meadow called Copse Mead. The principal platform measures about 47 by 10 yards with a scarp 2-3ft high and it appears to have been divided into two parts. A recent trench across it revealed flat lime-stone blocks. E of this platform is a long flat area bounded by scarps 20 yds square, and N of it is another platform 20 yds across. To the S are further banks and scarps. The only finds are a few abraded sherds of flinted and sandy medieval pottery. <2>

Visible on aerial photographs <3> and digitally plotted for the South Dorset Ridgeway Mapping Project.

<1> Quinnell, N V, Various, Field Investigators Comments NVQ, F1 NVQ 12-APR-55 (Unpublished document). SDO11903.

<2> RCHM Unpublished Revision Dorset 1 - West Undated (Unpublished document). SWX1659.

'Deserted medieval farmstead (545882) in a sheltered S-facing meadow at 250' O.D. called Copse Mead. The meadow is situated between two deeply incised streams which rise in nearby springs. The soil is a fine loam derived from the underlying Forest Marble, and in marked contrast to clay soils higher up the hill. An ancient track from Look Farm to West Bexington passed the site on the E. Where it crossed the stream a substantial stone bridge remains. From it, a branch track formed The Drove which leads to Puncknowle village.

Thus the farmstead was well served with good soil and shelter, good water and communcations, and yet it is unrecorded. The principal platform is about 47 x 10 yds. and appears to have been divided into two parts, the S. end having a broad scooped hollow. A recent track across the site revealed flat limetstone blocks on this platform. E. of the main platform and below its 2'-3' high scarp is a long flat area bounded by scarps 20 yds. square. N. of it is another platform 20 yds. across, and S. of it further smaller banks and scarps. To the E. are two lesser linear scarps, and the whole has been crossed by a later hedge line. The area is slightly more than an acre. The only finds are a few small abraded sherds of flinted and sandy medieval pottery.'

<3> Royal Air Force, 04-NOV-1946, RAF/CPE/UK/1824 3307-8 (Aerial Photograph). SDO11680.

<4> Royal Commission on Historic Monuments, Externally held archive: RCH01/088 RCHME Inventory: Dorset I (West) and Revision (Unpublished document). SDO17367.

<5> National Record of the Historic Environment, 450520 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Nov 5 2024 11:36AM