SWX8685 - An Archaeological Field Evaluation of the Proposed Extension of Chaldon Herring Cemetery, Dorset (NGR SY789831)

‘The archaeological evaluation of a proposed extension to the west of the cemetery at St. Nicholas’ church, Chaldon Herring, comprising the machine excavation of three trenches, amounting to approximately a 3% sample of the area. A single, well-preserved, post hole in Trench 1 was the only archaeological feature identified, which is possibly of late Medieval or later date, based on the recovery of a single pottery sherd from its surface. However, the small size and abraded nature of the sherd, may indicate that it has been brought down through the ploughsoil. No associated deposits and periglacial features in the surface of the natural greensand. The near complete absence of pre-modern artefacts from the ploughsoil and hillwash, strongly suggests the absence of Medieval or earlier settlement in this area. It is considered therefore, that any proposed development of this area, is unlikely to impinge on any significant extensive archaeological deposits.’ A single post hole of archaeological interest was noted.