SDO10360 - The former Foster’s School site, Tinney’s Lane, Sherborne; Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society

‘The archaeological assessment and evaluation of the former Foster’s School site…comprised a desk-top study of historical sources, sketch plotting of surface features, geophysical survey and excavation of evaluation treches…the area showed extensive ridge and furrow…once part of Newland medieval open fields. The site also shows bank and ditch boundaries of probable medieval date. The geophysical survey showed a number of subsoil anomalies…subsequently investigated by trench excavation. These were shown to be features and occupation layers predominantly dating to the Neolithic period, with some containing Peterborough Ware pottery.’ These features may define a significant Neolithic settlement area. Other pit-like features may be of Middle Bronze Age date. The presence of cremated bone may indicate a funerary function.