SWX8667 - Interim report following the archaeological excavation of Glebe allotments, Church Knapp, Wyke Road, Wyke Regis, Weymouth, Dorset

An archaeological evcavation was undertaken by AOC Archeaology Group on the site of the former allotments at Church Knapp, Wyke Regis. This work was carried out on behalf of Trencherwood Homes prior to the redevelopment of the site. An arcjaeological evaluation of the proposed development area preceded the excavation and the findings of that evaluation revealed significant archaeological remains confined to the south-east third of the area. The excavation was caried out between 26th Novemebr 1998 and 8th January 1999 and although much of the work was carried out in adverse weather conditions, the Aims of Investigation, as laid out in the Written Scheme of Investigation (AOC 1998), were met. As mentioned above, the site formerly occupied by allotments and the resultant terracing of the hillside had truncated many of the archaeological remains across the North and West of the excavation area with only the deeper features or those protected by stone being represented in these areas. Broadly speaking, the exposed remains fell into four geographically discrete groups with a number of isolated 'satellite' features also present. Unfortunately the archaeological layers which would have given insight into the relationships between these groups had either been removed by allotment activity and natural sheet erosion, or remained beyond the limit of the development area. At this time the artefacts from the excavation are being analysed by specialists and only when the results of that analysis have been received can a detailed report be completed. However, it is possible to give a brief review of the type of remains uncovered with reference to their form and stratigraphic sequence. For the purposes of this report the archaeological remains will be divided into the four geographically discrete groups.