SWX8550 - The Hampshire Centre, Bournemouth, Dorset (SZ113949). Results of advance investigations and recording.

Archaeological investigation and recording on land adjacent to the Hampshire Centre Retail Park, Bournemouth, Dorset (SZ113949) was carried out by AC archaeology during February 2001. An earlier evaluation of the site by machine-excavated trenches identified a sequence of shallow ditches or gullies on generally either NW to SE or NE to SW alignments. This suggested a deliberately planned field system. The results clearly indicated that there were two principal areas of archaeological activity on the site. First, in the central portion (Area A), where a large pit, a prehistoric ditch and other linear features were identified, and secondly, in the SE corner (Area B), where a sequence of Post-Medieval linear features was recorded. It is in these two areas where advance investigations were carried out. A sequence of linear trenches located to the north and east of Area A was also excavated to attempt to clarify the extent and function of ditches identified within that area. Based on the small quantities of finds recovered, the two principal phases of activity identified during this exercise were Bronze Age and Post-Medieval, with most ditches in and around Area A belonging to the earlier phase and those around Area B all seemingly relating to the later period. Despite this difference in time, both patterns are broadly similar n layout and spacing, comprising long and narrow strips bounded by broad and shallow ditches, probably with a dual boundary and drainage function. Both systems are also generally on a NE to SW and NW to SE alignment, with the Post-Medieval ditches seemingly more uniform and regular in direction, width and profile. Those ditches in and around Area A are not to straight and regular, with curves and slight variations in alignment, as well as differences in depth and profiles. The pattern of Bronze Age ditches in Area A would broadly correspond with those recorded elsewhere on heathland soils in Dorset, where similar patterns have been interpreted as reflecting the process of woodland clearance at that time.