SDO11325 - Land off Abbey Street, Cerne Abbas, Dorset. Archaeological Evaluation.

In August 2004, Terrain Archaeology carried out an evaluation on land behind Abbey Street, Cerne Abbas (NGR ST66490128) proposed for new development. This site lies to the rear of the gardens of houses on Abbey Street, bounded to the west by the River Cerne. Four trenches were excavated. These revealed evidence for medieval and post-medieval activity. Medieval archaeology was limited to soil layers and a pit. Overall, the evidence suggests that this area was not a focus for medieval activity and is likely to have been back gardens or yards during this period. Part of a boundary wall of a possible medieval burgage plot was also found. Evidence for tanning, dating from the late 17th to the late 18th century was found in three of the trenches. This comprised a number of possible tanning pits filled with large quantities of horn cores and lower leg elements of cattle, sheep and pig and a brick-lined lime pit or tank. Parts of two buildings of 19th century date were also uncovered.