SWX8644 - Summary report on an Archaeological Evaluation at 323 Blandford Road, Hamworthy, Poole

The Borough of Poole Planning Design and Control Services determined that a development of the plot of land including the old rectory, 323 Blandford Road, Hamworthy, (NGR SY 9935 9103) posed a potential threat to buried archaeological remains, and so an archaeological evaluation of the site was specified. The contract for this was awarded to Southern Archaeological Services Ltd of Southampton by Wimpey Homes, who wished to purchase the land. Four trenches were excavated by machine. A topsoil of variable depth sealed three undated ditches, probably for drainage. The topsoil has been interpreted as the product of intensive gardening. In view of the proximity to known Mediaeval sites, this negative evidence may indicate a long period of agricultural use of the site. The natural deposits encountered were sands, clays and gravels of the Barton Beds. Fieldwork was carried out on 25 and 26 April 1997.