SWX8192 - The Excavation of a medieval building at Ower Farm, Corfe Castle, and other archaeological observations during the construction of a new wellsite and pipeline at the Wytch Farm Oilfield, 1994

A further stage of archaeological investigations at Wytch Farm was carried out during 1994. The construction of a new wellsite ('M') on the Goathorn Peninsula and a new water pipeline and cables connecting with the existing installations was preceded by archaeological evaluation in the areas of new land take. In addition further excavation was undertaken at a previously recorded Medieval site at Ower Farm, and a detailed watching brief in other archaeologically sensitive areas. No evidence for archaeological activity was recorded at Wellsite 'M'. The excavation at Ower Farm revealed structural remains of a Medieval Building comprising at least two bays, one with an unusual semicircular wall plan. Occupation debris from the site included pottery of 12th to 14th century date. This structure is believed to be part of the Medieval settlement of Ower which is known to have existed by Domesday and which was partially excavated during the previous stage of oilfield development in 1987. Monitoring of new construction areas on the Fitzworth Peninsula recorded limited new evidence for the 18th century Park Pale but failed to reveal the western extent of the pale in the area of Wytch Moor, as shown on historical maps.