Monument record MDO7610 - 84-90 East Street (Abbots Cottages) Corfe Castle; medieval occupation site

The eastern part of the site covered by Trench1, close to the East Street frontage, revealed a small number of archaeological deposits containing medieval pottery. The presence of these deposits suggests that further, localised deposits may survive in the vicinity, although there is no substantial evidence for the presence of medieval structures.

The eastern part of the site covered by Trench1, close to the East Street frontage, revealed a small number of archaeological deposits containing medieval pottery. These features were sealed by a deep topsoil of c. 0.8m. The presence of these deposits suggests that further, localised deposits may survive in the vicinity, although there is no substantial evidence for the presence of medieval structures. This may represent sporadic use of the are during the medieval period. (1)

Observations and recording during construction confirmed medieval activity within the development area, but the features revealed were probable boundary ditches: a shallow linear feature with no dating evidence in the filling; another linear feature from the filling of which two sherds of unglazed coarseware of 12-14th-century date were recovered. (2)

<1> Cox P W, Cotton J and Papworth M, 1995, An archaeological field evaluation of a proposed housing development site between 84-90 East Street, Corfe Castle (Unpublished document). SDO11340.

<2> Mcmahon, P A, and Leach, S, 1997, An Archaeological Watching Brief at Phase 2, Abbots Cottages, Corfe Castle, Dorset. (Unpublished document). SWX8194.

Record last edited

Oct 20 2010 3:42AM