SDO16580 - Trent Manor Farm, Trent, Sherborne, Dorset. Results of a Heritage Impact Assessment

The results of a heritage impact assessment carried out by South West Archaeology Ltd. (SWARCH) for the proposed construction of a dairy complex at Trent Manor Farm, Trent, Sherborne, Dorset. The Saxon charters of Rimpton refer to Trent and it is recorded as a parish in the diocese of Wells in 909 AD. The Geld Inquest of 1084 AD and the Domesday Book also refer to Trent. In the 13th century the manor of Trent was divided into three parts, one of which included a third of the church property which was passed to the Priory of Studley. The Parish Church of St. Andrew's was built in this period and part-ownership continued until the Reformation. In 1547 AD the property of the Priory was sold to John Young, who owned another division of Trent Manor. The land around the village was enclosed following the Reformation, and the increase in agricultural prosperity was reflected in the improvements made to Trent Manor, Church Farm (the two manor houses) and possibly Dairy House (the potential third manor house) between 1588 AD and 1642 AD. The 18th century saw much restoration of the old manor houses which were used as farmhouses for a time. The site lies within an area of undetermined archaeological potential; this reflects a general lack of fieldwork in the immediate area. If the Lyde Road site is any guide, the archaeological potential of this site could be high.