SDO14400 - Historical and Archaeological Assessment of 40 High West Street and Sterling House, Princes Street, Dorchester, Dorset

‘The proposals being considered involve the replacement of Sterling House with new buildings, encroaching slightly into the present car-park for Messrs Humphries Kirk, and the new provision for client car-parking in the garden of no. 40, above the level of the existing car park to the south. This assessment considers the historical and archaeological contexts of the two properties. It establishes that the boundary of 40 High West Street contains the only remaining section of the Roman town-wall of Dorchester, which is a scheduled ancient monument. While there are no known archaeological finds recorded, it is highly likely that the site contains Roman remains and the medieval documentary evidence suggests that there was a medieval dove house on the site. The presumed site of a prehistoric barrow a little way to the east, under the Masonic Hall, must allow the possibility of additional prehistoric material in the proposed development area. An analysis of maps and plans for the area demonstrates that there have been major changes to the western end of Princes Street, with demolition of earlier buildings, probably stables, and a completely new frontage along the north side of the street. This may preclude the possibility that medieval buildings existed on the proposed development site. It is, indeed, unclear if Princes Street reflects the medieval street pattern of the town.’