SDO11518 - The Proposed Development of The Mitre Inn, Clunes, High Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset (ST 8631 2295): Archaeological Assessment

A review of existing archaeological and historical data has been unable to show any positive recorded evidence for the survival of archaeological deposits within the development area of the site. The present site is adjacent to St Peter's Church which dates from at least the fourteenth century, and occupies two burgage tenements, fronting onto what has traditionally been a market area in the High Street. The burgages are shown on a map dating from 1615 but prior to this no record of medieval deeds relating to either tenement has been discovered. It is feasible that the burgages originated much earlier, possibly as part of a pre- or post-conquest planned urban development of the St. Peters Church and Cornhill area of the town. Since the 18th century the western tenement has been known as the Mitre and the eastern as the Five Bells. While the site therefore contains some considerable archaeological potential the proposed development will largely affect areas to the rear of the street frontage and where further invasive archaeological survey would be considerably constrained by the presence of concrete surfaces, cellars and sewers.