SDO10088 - An Archaeological Evaluation of a Proposed Housing Development Site at the Rear of 20-21 North Square, Dorchester, Dorset

AC Archaeology conducted an archaeological evaluation on the site of a proposed housing development at the rear of 20/21 North Square, Dorchester, in March 1995. The evaluation comprised the excavation of a single, interrupted trench across an area adjacent to where the major groundworks for the new construction would take place. Previous work had suggested that much of the area was disturbed by 19th century cellars. However, previous archaeological records, made during the construction of an office block in 1977, demonstrated the presence of a substantial ditch of Roman date. Further elements of this feature may survive on the site, but were not crossed by the evaluation trench. No positive evidence for features or finds of archaeological interest was found on the site, but a highly localised area of deposits was observed, which may be of medieval or earlier date.