Monument record MWX2844 - Old Gatehouse, Abbotsbury: Earthworks

Ann Woodward undertook an archaeological watching brief during ground works to the rear of the Old Gatehouse, Church Street, Abbotsbury in May 1995.

The groundworks cut through earthwork terraces associated with the site of the former medieval buildings of Abbotsbury Abbey. The examination of the builders' trenches showed that these terraces had been partially levelled during the construction of a swimmimg pool. Furthermore, an examination of historic maps suggested that these terraces had been reduced in extent between the time of the 1st edition OS map (1886) and the publication of the RCHM Dorset volume (1952).

A layer of mixed cultivation soil and clay with slate occurring near the top was interpreted as the make-up of an earthwork defining the boundary of the abbey precinct in the medieval period [1]. However, the precinct boundary is now thought to lie further to the west, marked by an earthwork adjacent and parallel to Rope Walk. The purpose of these earthworks is not clear but they may be related to the Abbey's inner gate.

Various sherds of post-medieval glazed earthenware have been collected by the gardener [1].

The earthworks which are marked on the OS 1:10,000 scale map (1970's) are partially visible on aerial photographs and were digitally plotted during the South Dorset Ridgeway Mapping Project {2}.

<1> Woodward, A, 1995, The new summerhouse in the Grounds of The Old Gatehouse, Abbotsbury, Dorset (Unpublished document). SWX8300.

<2> Royal Air Force, 22-JAN-1948, RAF/CPE/UK/2431 4287-8 (Aerial Photograph). SDO11679.

Record last edited

Aug 22 2024 2:42PM