Monument record MWX1151 - Town ditch, Christchurch

Medieval defensive town ditch excavated in 1983, which fell into disuse during the 12th to 13th century. Auguring traced the line of the ditch to 150m south of the northern burghal defences.

A V-shaped ditch, over 2m deep, was observed 10 m southwest of the inner defensive ditch at Keith Motors (SZ 15679281). It was augered and traced to 150m south of the northern burghal defences. <1>

Excavations in 1983 revealed the ditch to be defensive, probably constructed during the Medieval refurbishment of the defences on the north side of the town. The ditch on the south side of the town has a flat-bottomed profile, it contained more domestic refuse implying that occupation was denser within the southern part of the town. The ditch fell into disuse during the 12th/13th century. <2>

<1> Jarvis, K S, 1983, Excavations in Christchurch 1969-80, p52 (Monograph). SWX4028.

<2> Davies, S M, 1983, Excavations at Christchurch, Dorset, 1981 to 1983; Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, p53-6 (Article in serial). SWX4065.

<3> National Record of the Historic Environment, 884767 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Jan 26 2022 10:44AM