SDO11115 - An Archaeological Evaluation of Land Behind Lloyds Bank, The Market Place, Sturminster Newton, Dorset

AC Archaeology conducted an archaeological evaluation in advance of proposed development on land to the rear of Lloyds Bank, The Market Place, Sturminster Newton during June 1998. A single trench measuring 9.8m x 1.6m was machine excavated and cleaned by hand. Nothing of archaeological significance was revealed in the trench. A redeposited topsoil overlay a deep layer of garden soil and silty clay above natural clays and gravels. Only modern finds were recovered from these deposits. A single thin, shallow gully cut into the base of the trench contained only 19th century finds in its fill. It is possible that archaeological remains exist elsewhere in the proposed devlopment area. No evidence was found of an air raid shelter said to lie on the site.