SDO11607 - The Archaeological Evaluation of the Proposed Stour Park, Blandford St. Mary, Dorset (centred on ST 889 057)

'An archaeological evaluation was carried out to determine the presence and nature of any archaeological deposits in open fields at Stour Park, Blandford St Mary. Trenches revealed that much of the south-eastern area of the site had been damaged by activity connected with the construction of the Blandford Bypass, which formed the eastern boundary of the site. A single ditch of probable medieval date did however survive between and below the deeper areas of disturbance. The northern and south-eastern areas of the site were however, undisturbed and trenches revealed a number of features of medieval date. These included a hollow way, with probable rectilinear enclosures adjacent to it; a number of postholes suggesting structures; and a cobbled trackway with adjacent ditches and pits. The pottery form the excavated features had a date range of 12th – 15th century. Worked flint was recovered from a number of layers but no features earlier than the medieval period were found.'