EDO4402 - Fordington Down, Bradford Peverell; field observation and measured survey

The levelling and ploughing in April of pasture-land on the west slope of Fordington Down, a short way south of the hairpin bend of the Roman aqueduct, destroyed most of the surface remains of what was apparently a native settlement (SY 667907), associated with two trackways and traces of a field system. A plan has since been made by the RCHM, partly from soil marks. Its former condition is shown in an oblique air photograph in the Ashmoleum museum (no. 554), and in one published in Wheeler's 'Maiden Castle, Dorset' (1943). The character of the site is also shown by the presence of burnt areas revealed after ploughing, burnt flints, and a considerable quantity of pottery and other domestic items collected by the RCHM. Notable finds included a fine bronze brooch (early 2nd century) and armlet, the latter being found with the remains of a burial disturbed by the plough. The bulk of the pottery was 3rd-4th century.