Monument record MDO4259 - Medieval settlement, Mappowder

Deserted medieval settlement indicated by earthworks includng building platforms and possible hearths. Geophysical survey suggested the presence of hearths, and these and stone walls were found when trial trenches were dug in 1976 in advance of the construction of the Southern Gas Feeder pipeline. Unstratified finds from the site include pieces of pottery, including soft, sandy wares of probable 14-15th century date and green-glazed handles likely to be from pitchers.

ST 739056. A possible deserted Medieval village at Mappowder with sunken road and at least one house platform was surveyed before being cut through by a gas pipeline. Stone walls were observed during the construction of the pipe-line. <1>

A large rectangular close with indications of a sub-division and ground disturbance is visible at ST 73950566 on air photographs. <2>

A geographical survey and contour survey were undertaken by the DOE. These confirmed the presence of the raised platform and suggested the presence of hearths. Stone walls and stone-built hearths were revealed by trenching. A few unstratified sherds were found and included wares similar to the soft sandy wares from Darknoll Farm of the C14th-C15th. Two handles probably from pitchers, were present, one a strap handle with slashes the other a twisted rod handle, both having a thin green glaze. <3>

<1> Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 1978, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1976, 58 (Serial). SDO76.

<2> Royal Air Force, 1975, RAF/CPE/UK/1975 2036-37 (Aerial Photograph). SDO17467.

<3> Catherall, P, Barnett, M, and McClean, H, 1984, The Southern Gas Feeder: the Archaeology of a Gas Pipeline, 196 (Monograph). SDO16637.

<4> Bartlett, A D H, and Hackmann, J, 1976, Magnetometer Surveys of Dorset Medieval Villages (Unpublished document). SDO16638.

<5> National Record of the Historic Environment, 201799 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Jan 13 2022 12:22PM