Find Spot record MDO2505 - Medieval and post-medieval finds, Stinsford

Surface finds made in 1974 after ploughing of this field included medieval and later pottery, part of a Purbeck stone mortar, and iron objects including a spur, a knife and a candle sconce.

<1> Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 1975, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1974, 71 (Serial). SDO74.

‘Medieval and later finds from Frome Whitfield, Stinsford. Mr P. F. Williams has continued to keep watch on sites near Dorchester, and writes that in May 1974 the field immediately north-east of the iron footbridge over the Frome (SY 69179132) was ploughed and rolled; the field surface is undulating, showing irregular patches of gravel, and a drainage channel winds across it from west to east. Previously recorded finds have been restricted to the reputed site of the church, which was destroyed in 1549, while depopulation was thought to be complete by 1610 [Footnote: R.C.H.M., “Dorset”, Vol. III, part 2, 257]. Mr Williams suggests that some of the finds picked up over a wide area of this field may imply occupation or re-occupation in the 18th-19th century; no particular concentration was, however, apparent in the distribution.
Pottery and tile fragments, we are told, included three stabbed and slashed handles, and glazed jug sherds, probably of the 13th to 14th century, and five pieces of glazed ridge-tile including two stabbed crests, of sandy fabric and green-yellow glaze, perhaps of the same date. A quarter-segment of a mortar of Purbeck stone, 1.2 ins (3cm) thick, had one wedge-shaped rib. The iron objects, suggesting late occupation, consisted of a spur, a key, part of a single-edge knife, two horseshoes, and a sconce, 8.7 ins (22 cms) long, of unusual design having a central spike with one candle-holder on either side of it. This object will be exhibited in the Museum; the others remain at present with our correspondent.’

Record last edited

Apr 5 2013 5:51PM