Monument record MDO43881 - Medieval town settlement-Rax Lane, Bridport

Report on observations and recording during groundworks for development on the site of a former Christian Science Society Church. The probable edge of the medieval town ditch was recorded at the northern end of the site, and an adjacent area of protected natural clay was thought likely to mark the bank. Behind the defences a soil layer of probable medieval origin and two pits, also thought to be medieval, were recorded. A series of eighteenth and nineteenth century pits were also recorded, together with a deep garden soil of similar date.

Observations and recording during demolition of a former church building and groundworks for construction of three new dwellings.
A layer of soil containing a small mount of medieval pottery was found across the southern part of the site, possibly indicating a former burgage plot. Medieval features identified included two pits, one containing possible 12th-century pottery, and evidence of the former town ditch and bank at the north corner of the site. Remains of possible post-medieval walls at the eastern and southern sides of the site were identified together with an unidentified structure, perhaps an outhouse, of possible 18th century date. 18 pits were revealed in two groups at the north and south ends of the site, some in an intercutting line; small quantities of finds suggested that these were of 18th or 19th-century date. Four post holes were recorded in the southern part of the site but not excavated.

Bellamy, P, 2020, Former Christian Science Society Church, Rax Lane, Bridport, Dorset. Archaeological Observations and Recording during Construction of New Dwellings, May - June 2019 (Unpublished document). SDO16554.

Record last edited

Aug 30 2024 11:22AM