SDO10059 - The Hutch, Poundbury Road, Dorchester

The site lies on the south-eastern corner of the defences of Poundbury Camp Hillfort, c. 1km to the north-west of Dorchester, Dorset (SY68259097). An application for the construction of office accommodation and car parking facilities on the site was recently granted, with provision for access for archaeological recording and observation during demolition and development. This evaluation is the initial part of that archaeological project. The line of the hillfort defences was established as anticipated from the earthworks to the west and from previous archaeological work. The nature of the ditch partially excavated, however, suggests that the defences were not open for a long period, and that perhaps the outer rampart might not have been fully complete. It is clear that further observation and recording of the defences as the development progresses is necessary, particularly during the cutting foundation or service trenches, and during levelling for car parking or access. Large-scale archaeological excavation work does not appear to be a useful option.