SDO14326 - A35 Tolpuddle to Puddletown Bypass, Dorset. Proposed Borrow Pit at Hill Barn, near Tolpuddle. Archaeological Evaluation

'The second phase of a two phase archaeological evaluation was undertaken in February 1988 of the area of a proposed borrow pit for the new A35 Tolpuddle to Puddletown bypass. The site lies to the north of the village of Tolpuddle (centred on NGR SY 7920 9530) and immediately to the north of the first phase of evaluation and subsequent gravel extraction. Six trial trenches were excavated by machine, representing a c 2% sample of the site. Two small ditches or gullies, both undated, were located in the north-west of the area and sample excavated. An insubstantial colluvial (hillwash) deposit was also recorded in the base and lower side of the dry valley, which runs approximately north-south along the eastern side of the site. No dateable finds were recovered from the colluvium. A small number of modern and natural features were also excavated to determine their nature. Overall there appears to be a low potential for in situ settlement remains wiuthin the application area. The two linear features identified may concievably represent the truncated remains of a prehistoric or Romano-Btitish field system across the more level plateau in the north-west part of the application area. The southern and eastern part of the site appers to be of low archaeolohgical potential.'