Find Spot record MDO47765 - Extinct animal remains found east of Encombe, Corfe Castle

Antiquarian John Hutchins reported that extinct animal bones had been found during the building of a new road to the east of Encombe. They may have come from the quarry where the building materials were obtained. The exact findspot is not known.

(Area centred at: SY 945875). In forming a new road a little to the east of Encombe, the following bones of extinct mammalia were found embedded in an oolitic debris deposit. A gigantic tusk, numerous teeth, a skull with horns attached, together with bones of the deer, horse, etc. (1)

No further information was obtained during field investigation regarding the actual site of these finds. There is no cutting along this road and it seems more probable that the finds came from the quarry where the road material was obtained. The quarry was not located. (2)

<1> Shipp, W, and Hodson, J W (eds), 1861, The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset. 3rd edition. Volume 1, 520 (Monograph). SWX4496.

<2> Barton, J G, Various, Field Investigators Comments JGB, F1 JR 21-JUL-52 (Unpublished document). SDO11900.

<3> National Record of the Historic Environment, 456532 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Jan 19 2024 3:50PM