Monument record MDO39680 - Historic or early 20th century earthworks, Sopley Common, Hurn

A cluster of semi-circular banked and ditched 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 is also possible. The features were digitally plotted by the Dorset Stour NMP.

A cluster of semi-circular banked and ditched 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 have 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, possibly associated with a military camp or training area. The cluster is part of a larger group of earthworks comprising MDOs 8825, 8826 and 8827. Some of the earthworks may also be part of a group recorded and described in MWX 1045.

The features were digitally plotted by the Dorset Stour NMP.

The earthworks are within partially open heath and scrub 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 2 2017 11:35AM