SDO13881 - An Archaeological Evaluation at April Cottage, Manor Way, Verwood, Dorset

ArchaeoServices undertook an archaeological evaluation in order to provide information on the archaeological potential of a site proposed for development. Three trenches measuring approximately 2m x 1m were excavated. In two of these trenches no archaeological remains were discovered and relatively few finds, given the proximity of the trenches to a known pottery production site. While this may suggest that no archaeological deposits survive in these areas, the excavators considered that it might be due to the trenches being in an area that would have been underneath the kiln mound, the existence of which is attested by historical maps and photographs. In the third trench an unmortared linear brick feature was identified, probably representing the remains of a garden feature or an insubstantial structure, post-dating the closure of the Crossroads pottery. In addition a ditch was discovered, which was contemporary with the Crossroads Pottery, and is best interpreted as representing the remnants of the 19th century boundary to the site. A large dump of pottery ‘wasters’ and an item of kiln furniture were discovered.