SDO16975 - Proposed School Site, Simsay, Cerne Abbas, Dorset. Archaeological Assessment Report.

'This report sets out the results of an archaeological and historical assessment of the implications of developing land north of Alton Lane, an area known as the Simsay Site, Cerne Abbas, Dorset (centred on ST 6677 0132). This level of assessment has demonstrated that the proposed site lies within an area of high archaeological potential characterised by activity from the prehistoric to historic periods. Within the study area this is mainly represented by medieval activity including two Scheduled Ancient Monuments; the remains of a Benedictine Abbey with associated buildings and earthworks (SAM26) and a preaching cross (SAM200). Archaeological activity recorded within the site consists of probable medieval ridge and furrow, undated trackways and undated magnetic features identified by magnetic survey. These magnetic features include a linear feature and a group of anomalies which may form rectilinear and open enclosures concentrated in the eastern half of the site. The western half shows extensive magnetic disturbance which may be masking archaeological features. Historically the study area appears to impinge on land which has been used as pasture, orchard and paddocks since the 18th century and probably earlier. One building, probably a barn converted to a dwelling during the 18th century, is recorded within the site and has been located. Place-name evidence suggests that the site imposes on a garden or pleasaunce ('beauvoir') associated with the medieval abbey of Cerne, and possibly on the monks' graveyard. Within the study area and excluding Listed Buildings associated with the Scheduled Ancient Monuments a further 12 Listed Buildings are recorded mainly along Abbey Street. Development within the site would directly impact on the ridge and furrow and the undated geophysical anomalies. In addition, the possibility of locating the monks’ graveyard may be considered as archaeologically significant. Without further site investigations the full archaeological potential cannot be confirmed.'