Monument record MDO2747 - Deserted medieval settlement, Woolcombe, Toller Porcorum

The possible remains of a medieval deserted settlement are recorded at Woolcombe Farm. Documentary and earthwork evidence indicates activity on the site since the thirteenth century.

SY555955. Domesday indicates that 3 virgates of land in 'Welacombe' were held by 'Dode the Monk'. Documentary and archaeological evidence indicates activity on the site from the C13th onward. Reports. In addition to the earthwork in the immediate vicinity of Woolcombe Farm, masonary foundations have been noted at SY55889532 and a possible earthwork platform at SY55659555. <1-8>

The possible remains of a medieval deserted settlement are recorded at Woolcombe Farm. Documentary and earthwork evidence indicates activity on the site since the thirteenth century. Remnants of linear bank and ditched earthworks were recorded during the Upper Frome and Sydling Valley AIM project between Woolcombe and Broom's Farms on lidar imagery <9>.

Hunt, A, 1988, Woolcombe (Unpublished document). SDO21260.

<1> Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 1983, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1983, 75-81 (Serial). SDO83.

<2> Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 1985, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1984, 155-158 (Serial). SDO84.

<3> Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 1986, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1985, 172-173 (Serial). SDO85.

<4> Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 1987, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1986, 186-187 (Serial). SDO86.

<5> Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 1988, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1987, 136-138 (Serial). SDO87.

<6> Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 1989, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1988, 157-158 (Serial). SDO88.

<7> Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 1990, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1989, 114-117 (Serial). SDO89.

<8> Royal Commission on Historical Monuments (England), 1994, Medieval Village Research Group Index, PRN 474 (Index). SDO16386.

<9> Environment Agency, XX-XXX-2019, LIDAR Environment Agency Composite LAST RETURN (Photograph). SDO16524.

<10> National Record of the Historic Environment, 884200 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Jan 14 2025 4:22PM