SWX8649 - Shapwick Road, Hamworthy, Poole, Interim Report on Archaeological Observations and Recording during Phase 2 Drainage Works

This is an interim report on excavations and observations during drain and sewerage works on a site off Shapwick Road, Hamworthy. Five phases of activity have been identified, all belonging to the Roman period. The first phase is represented by large double ditches, which are thought to belong to a Roman military establishment on the peninsular dating to c. AD 43-65. The second phase of activity is dated to the later part of the 1st century AD and comprises a regular series of ditches, possibly drainage ditches and evidence of salt extraction activity. Phase 3 is represented by two, possibly rectilinear enclosures dating to the last 1st - early 2nd century. After the beginning of the 2nd century, there is little evidence of intensive activity in the area. A ditched trackway cutting across the earlier alignments was discovered running across the site. The final phase consists only of a single feature cutting the trackway and a very small quantity of late 3rd to 4th century pottery.