Monument record MDO39676 - Early 20th century enclosure and military building, possible re-use of prehistoric enclosure or Bronze Age barrow, Sopley Common, Hurn

A large banked enclosure on Sopley Common is visible on 1940s aerial photographs. The earthworks are likely to be early 20th century military in origin although an earlier date is also possible, perhaps featuring re-use of a prehistoric enclsoure or Bronze Age barrow. The features were digitally plotted by the Dorset Stour NMP.

A large banked enclosure on Sopley Common is visible on 1940s aerial photographs (1). The earthworks are likely to be early 20th century military in origin although an earlier date is also possible.

The enclosure occupies a low rise of ground and comprises sections of exterior curvilinear banks enclosures and narrow sections of interior banks or walling; some possible right-angled sections may be associated with the remains of former structures. The overall size of the enclosure measures 26m by 23m. To the south of the enclosure is an access trackway that links it with a large mililtary complex of buildings and earthworks to the south (MDO….). Although the enclosure may have an older origin, it seems likely that it is early 20th century in date and associated with this wider area of concentrated military activity. The re-use of a prehistoric earthwork or even Bronze Age barrow may be possible.

The features were digitally plotted by the Dorset Stour NMP.

By 1957 some exterior earthworks remain visible, central structure possibly demolished, only a sub-square mound visible on AP (2).

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.

<2> Royal Air Force, 18-SEPT-57, RAF/ 57R4 V 139-40 (Aerial Photograph). SDO15560.

Record last edited

Nov 1 2017 10:46AM