SWX8287 - Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Dorset. Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment

The desk-based assessment was commissioned by P D B Thompson, Architects, on behalf of The Weld Estate, and prepared in accordance with the guidelines approved by the Institute of Field Archaeologists. The overall aim was to collate existing documentary, cartographic and photographic evidence with a view to assessing the archaeological potential of a defined area. Detailed development proposals are not currently available, but will comprise the construction of a car park and associated ancillary works, probably to the south-east of Lulworth Castle. The desk-based assessment has recorded remains from the Bronze Age through to the Post-medieval period within the Study Area. The Bronze Age period is the most coherently represented, comprising a group of at least ten burial mounds, or barrows, recorded to the south-east of the Site. Nine of these are Schedule Monuments and as such are safeguarded by appropriate legislation. Aerial photographs have indicated a possible eleventh barrow. Extant earthworks in the vicinity of the Castle include the boundary for a medieval deer park and earthworks which may represent medieval or early Post medieval settlement remains, including at least one possible house platform. The built heritage of the area is reflected in the range and number of Listed buildings within the parish of East Lulworth. Of particular relevance to this study are a number of Listed Buildings, including St Mary Roman Catholic Chapel (Grade I listed). St Andrew Parish Church (Grade II* listed). Lulworth Castle (Grade II* listed). Lulworth Castle Stables (Grade II listed) and Manor Cottage (Grade II listed). The report concludes that the area of greatest archaeological potential within the area of detailed interest is probably to be found towards its northern limit. In particular, the apparent subrectangular house platform recorded during a recent earthwork survey, not identified on an 18th-century map of the village, may indicate the site of an earlier, potentially medieval building. The southern boundary of the medieval deer park may also be present. Although a number of Bronze Age barrows have been recorded within the Study Area, it is not considered likely that similar remains will be encountered within the area of detailed interest. The impact of any proposed development on archaeological deposits will depend on the detailed design proposals, including the location and extent of proposed groundworks.