SDO10378 - St Antony’s Convent, Sherborne. Archaeological desk-based study

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Conservation Developments Ltd to undertake an archaeological desk-based study of a proposed development on the site of St Antony's Convent, Sherborne, centred on ST 637 162. A brief for the desk-based assessment was drawn up in a letter to Conservation Developments Ltd from Steven Wallis, Archaeological Officer for Dorset County Council (Ref 1101-2/AM). The desk-based assessment has shown that there are presently no known archaeological remains within the proposed development area that could be considered a major constraint to development. It has, however, demonstrated the potential for as yet unidentified archaeological remains within the proposed development area. The potential exists for archaeological remains within this area either as single finds or as areas of possible settlement. The greatest potential exists for the survival of Roman or Medieval remains. It is considered unlikely that the construction of the convent school will have destroyed such a potential completely. The recommendation of this report is therefore that there is a limited evaluation of certain areas within the proposed development site, focusing on areas of archaeological potential under threat of intrusive groundworks. Two methods by which this can be undertaken are proposed and discussed. The use of targeted machine-dug trenches after initial demolition has taken place is considered the most sensible method.