SDO17042 - Land off Putton Lane, Chickerell, Weymouth, Dorset. Archaeological Excavation Assessment Report

Context One Heritage & Archaeology (C1) were commissioned by C G Fry & Son to carrry out a programme of archaeological works in fulfilment of a planning condition relating to residential development. The Site encompasses the known location of a Deserted Medieval Village (DMV), and the results of a geophysical survey, desk-based assessment and archaeological field evaluation indicated high potential for the survival of archaeological remains in the vicinity of the DMV earthworks. Although the earthworks are preserved within the development, it was considered that archaeological features/deposits outside of this area could be damaged or destroyed during the work. This project has identified a complex of substantial medieval buildings and agricultural features. Activity on the Site prior to this is attested by a widespread scatter of flint which occurred across all areas, and a background scatter of Romano-British pottery and a coin of AD 268. However, none of the excavated features could be securely assigned to an earlier period. In the north-western part of the Site the numerous excavated ditches all appear to have medieval origins and were organised on two broad alignments, representing part of the associated agricultural landscape. Adjacent was a large contemporary midden. In the north-eastern part of the Site, a series of substantial stone built medieval buildings were identified, including a hall-house and a cross-passage house with its antecedent, as well as other ancillary buildings. It is likely that occupation commenced in the 11th -12th century followed by the main phase of rebuilding in the 13th century, with the buildings declining and going out of use by the 15th century. There was evidence of some more ephemeral post-medieval activity probably in the 17th -18th century. The character, combination of types of buildings, and the layout, including incorporation of a watercourse and enclosing ditch, is consistent with a medieval manorial complex. In the case of Putton (or ‘Poddington’) a variety of documentary references survive from the period of its establishment, evolution and use. These contribute to our understanding of the importance of the Site in that they facilitate a more nuanced interpretation of the archaeology than would generally be possible. Due to the lack of similar excavated manorial complexes in Dorset, or indeed surrounding counties, the Site is significant for understanding the development of settlement, landholding, environment, economy and social relations in the high medieval period. The artefactual and ecofactual assemblages all contribute to the understanding of the Site, but also have intrinsic importance due to the rarity of excavated material of this date regionally. Some individual finds are also of considerable interest in their own right. The Site is therefore of regional importance, with some aspects contributing to research at a national level. It is expected that a further analytical phase of work will be conducted with the results presented in an appropriate publication.