Monument record MDO39675 - Early 20th century earthworks, early 20th century military building, Sopley Common, Hurn

A group of banked semi-circular earthworks are visible at this location on Sopley Common on 1940s aerial photographs. The earthworks are likely to be early 20th century military in origin although an earlier date and agricultural function is also possible. The features were digitally plotted by the Dorset Stour NMP.

A group of banked circular earthworks are visible on Sopley Common on 1940s aerial photographs and were digitally plotted during the Dorset Stour NMP (1).

The earthworks are typically semi-circular banked enclosures varying between 4m and 5.5m wide. The entrances vary in direction. The earthworks may hae a medieval or post medieval agricultural funtion (e.g. medieval bee gardens) but are located within an area of concentrated military activity, indicating a more likely early 20th century military origin. A small square structure inserted into the northeast side of the group is also visible and this is likely to be a small military struture or building associated with a large military complex to the southwest (MDO39677), possibly ancillary buildings associated with a military base or annex of wartime Hurn airfield (MDO39623), or a military camp.

The features were digitally plotted by the Dorset Stour NMP.

The earthworks are within partially open heath in 2017 but are not visible on current Google Earth imagery.

<1> Royal Air Force, 28-MAY-48, RAF/CPE/UK/2548 V 5156-7 (Aerial Photograph). SDO15553.

Record last edited

Nov 1 2017 12:50PM