Monument record MDO4037 - Enclosure in Ditchley Coppice, Iwerne Courtney or Shroton

A rectangular enclosure on a ridge east of the River Iwerne. The enclosure comprises a low bank with an external ditch, and is thought to be medieval or later in date. The record for this monument has been enhanced with support from Wessex Water.

ST 88701333 The quadrilateral enclosure measures 40.0m east to west by 37.0m north to south. It is defined by a bank, 4.0m wide and up to 0.5m high above ground level. The external ditch has been destroyed by ploughing, except in the north east angle, where it measures 2.5m wide and 0.5m deep. The dividing bank and ditch is of similar size and in fair condition, though its west extension is poor, and in part only remains as a 0.3m high scarp. The rectangular depression measures 20.0m by 4.0m wide, and is 0.3m deep.

The enclosure is now covered by a dense conifer-spinney; it has been recently fenced-in for protection. Ditchley Coppice has been cleared. Divorced survey at 1:2500 on permatrace. <3>

<1> Ordnance Survey, Ordnance Survey Map 6in, 1962 (Map). SWX1540.

ST 88701332 Earthwork (NR)

<2> Royal Commission on Historic Monuments, 1970, An Inventory of Historical Monuments in the County of Dorset, Volume III (Central) Part 2, 131 (Monograph). SDO136.

'(21) Enclosure (88701335), in Ditchley Coppice, lies at just over 500 ft. above O.D. on the ridge top, E. of the R. Iwerne. It consists of a rectangular enclosure about 100 ft. square, bounded by a low bank with an outer ditch. The interior is divided into two unequal parts by a low bank, orientated E.-W., which continues for 240 ft. W. of the enclosure. An entrance on the E., 4 yds. wide, gives access to the S. part; in the S.W. corner of this part is a rectangular depression 60 ft. long, 12 ft. wide and 6 ins. Deep, orientated E.-W. and probably the site of a building. The appearance of the enclosure suggests that it is of medieval or later date.'

<3> Chaplin, C P, Various, Field Investigators Comments CC, F1 CC 10-FEB-78 (Unpublished document). SWX3450.

<4> Historic England, Historic England Archive, 880944 RCHME: Ditchey Coppice Enclosure, Dorset (Index). SDO14738.

'The Bull Pit' also features on the survey.Bibliographic References : 1) Pt 1, Monument (21)

<5> Royal Commission on Historic Monuments, Externally held archive: RCH01/096 RCHME Inventory: Dorset III (Central) (Unpublished document). SDO17384.

<6> National Record of the Historic Environment, 206099 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Aug 24 2022 4:21PM