SWX8610 - Rax Lane, Bridport, Dorset: Archaeological Observations

Archaeological observations during groundworks for residential development across two medieval burgage plots to the rear of 41 and 43 East Street, Bridport have revealed traces of a large medieval ditch, about seven metres wide and three metres deep, running east-west, along the southern side of Rax Lane. This ditch has been identified as the 'Wide Ditch', the 13th century town ditch which defended the northern side of Bridport. A probable post-medieval property boundary ran along the southern edge of the ditch in the western burgage plot. A number of late 17th/18th century and 19th century pits were also discovered, many backfilled with building debris. Two vessels recovered from the 18th/19th century pits are almost certainly the products of the Beaminster potteries. These are the first ones to be identified.