Monument record MDO4300 - Burials at Thornton Down, Marnhull

The Rev H Place (incumbent from 1778 to his death in 1828) reported that a large number of human remains were found when quarrying for road materials. The burials were regularly placed in an east west direction.

The Rev H Place (local incumbent from 1778 until his death in 1828) reported that at Thornton Down (ST 787 187). Large quantities of human bones were found when quarries were dug for road material. The inhumations were generally 5 to 6 feet beneath the surface, extended in an east to west direction, and placed in regular close ranks. <1>

According to Mr. Guy, the owner of Thornton Down, it comprises the two fields to the south and east of the New Inn. He said that quarrying had only taken place in the small field south of the Inn and that he had never heard of any finds of archaeological interest being found there.

The field centred at ST 787 187 has been quarried out and the interior is under grass. No finds of archaeological interest were made in the quarry face which coincides with the field boundary. <2>

<1> Hutchins, J, 1873, The history and antiquities of the County of Dorset. Volume 4. 3rd edition, 326-7 (Monograph). SDO10245.

<2> Rigg, J, Field Investigators Comments JR, F1 JR 02-AUG-55 (Unpublished document). SWX1255.

<2.1> Guy, R, 1955, Oral: Mr R Guy, Old Mill Lane Marnhull 2.8.55 (Verbal communication). SDO17453.

<3> National Record of the Historic Environment, 202160 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Feb 19 2024 12:58PM