SDO12440 - Hardy Complex, HMS Osprey, Portland, Dorset. Archaeological Evaluation Report

In October 2005 Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by WSP Environmental Ltd on behalf of Comer Homes to undertake a field evaluation consisting of the excavation of 23 trenches at the Hardy Complex, a former HMS Osprey site on Portland, Dorset, centred on National Grid Reference 368760, 74170 (hereafter the Site). The scope of works was reduced following consultation between WSP and Dorset County Council as evidence of widespread recent truncation of the Site was apparent. The evaluation therefore consisted of the excavation of 11 Test Pits across the Site. At the time of the evaluation the Site comprised a proposed scheme affecting 8 ha. of land situated on the northern slope of Verne Hill at the north end of Portland, Dorset. The results of the archaeological Test Pits demonstrated that a combination of historic landslips and the construction of the existing HMS Osprey complex in 1985 had completely removed any deposits that may have had the potential to contain archaeological remains.