EDO4316 - Southern Dorchester By-pass evaluation Trench FR8, St George's Road

An evaluation in the form of trial trenching was undertaken by Wessex Archaeology in the field to the south of St George’s Road during 1987, in advance of the construction of the Dorchester By-pass (1). The evaluation was sited to investigate a number of geophysical anomalies (2). A number of slight earthworks were also noted running across this field. The evaluation comprised two trenches (Numbered FR8N and FR8S) aligned roughly N-S running down the slope. FR8N was 55m long and FR8S was 90m long. This area was subsequently targeted for large scale area excavation in 1987. The results of both the St George’s Road excavation and evaluation were published together (1). Trench FR8S lay up slope and was only partially within the area of the main excavations. No trace of the geophysical anomalies could be found at the southern end of the trench. However, a number of linear features running roughly E-W were identified within this trench. These formed two concentrations. To the south were a number of probable E-W field boundary ditches, together with a number of shallow pits. To the north were a number of E-W and some N-S linear ditches, again probably field boundary ditches, and a few other small features, which were fully investigated as part of the main excavations. A number of negative lynchets were also recognised running across the trench. Trench FR8N lay to the north and was completely within the area of the later excavations. Three further E-W linear ditches were found, together with a rather irregular ditch running approximately N-S. A large number of postholes were also exposed, forming a possible post-ring. These features were excavated as part of the main excavations. The topsoil in the area of this trench contained large quantities of ash and clinker.