SDO12653 - The archaeological evaluation of three areas of proposed gravel extraction adjacent to Henbury Pit, Sturminster Marshall, Dorset. Part three: Area C

The archaeological evaluation of Area C at Henbury Plantation was carried out in two phases during March and August 1993. The investigation comprised a c. 1.3% sample of the total application area using a mechanical excavator. A large number of subsoil features were identified comprising pits, ditches and spreads of occupation material dating from the Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age. This appears to represent the southern end of an area of prehistoric occupation on the hilltop, known to extend into Area B (details of which are contained in the Part Two report). Deposits of Middle Bronze Age date were also recorded. These probably represent a funerary complex, consisting of a possible ring ditch and a single associated cremation urn.