SDO12379 - Archaeological Desk-based Assessment: Former Royal Mail sorting office off Wick Lane in Christchurch, Dorset

‘A desk-based assessment was carried out for Libra Homes, to assess the archaeological potential of land at the former Royal Mail Sorting Offices on Wick Lane, Christchurch, Dorset in advance of the submission of a planning application for redevelopment of the site. Data was gathered from a range of primary and secondary sources including a search of the Dorset Historic Environment Record, for a 500m study area centred on the site. There is only limited evidence of prehistoric and Romano-British activity in the study area, from a small quantity of dispersed finds. The site lies adjacent to the Saxon core of the town, within the burh defences, in an area that is likely to have been settled at the time. In the medieval period, there is evidence that the defences constricted, possibly around the 12th century, and that the major ditch associated with this defensive system runs through the western half of the site. Christchurch Brewery and outbuildings associated with Square House, which were built in the 18th century, are known to have been positioned across the proposed development area. Cellars associated with the brewery are likely to have impacted upon some of the archaeological remains, along with later, 20th century buildings, including the Royal Mail Sorting Office itself. The archaeological potential of the proposed development area is considered to be high, and of regional significance. The greatest potential is to expose elements of the Saxon settlement and medieval defences of Christchurch. Post-medieval and modern remains of Christchurch Brewery and outbuildings to the rear of Square House are also likely to be encountered, although it should be noted that these are very likely to have caused significant disturbance of the earlier archaeological resource.’