SWX8557 - Archaeological Evaluation of Land at Washpond Lane, Swanage, Dorset

In order to provide archaeological information in advance of development as part of the Swanage flood alleviation scheme, AC archaeology were commissioned to carry out evaluation of a site at Washpond Lane, Swanage. The site of the proposed development lies within an area of pasture to the east of Washpond Lane, centred on grid reference SZ 01537938. The pasture field lies immediately north of a small stream (the Swan Brook) on a gentle south-facing slope. It is thought that the Domesday settlement of Mouleham is located in the vicinity and examination of the proposed development area by the County Archaeological Officer revealed slight earthwork features. Local specifically in the eastern part of the proposed development area, these were interpreted as possible house platforms. The excavation of three trenches, which together represent a sample of c. 2.5% of the proposed development area, produced no evidence of surviving archaeological features and no artefacts of pre-20th century date. The putative earthworks were demonstrated to be features largely of the natural topography, enhanced by recent agricultural activities.