EDO5606 - Redlands School, Weymouth; evaluation 2008-2009

An archaeological evaluation by AC archaeology in support of a planning application to develop facilities at Redlands School. The work was done in two phases, in November 2008 and January 2009, and comprised the digging by hand of four test pits and machine excavation of 21 trenches. This evaluation followed an earlier evaluation and observations and recording during construction of an all-weather pitch in 1997, which revealed Romano-British structures, stone-built drains, a corn dryer, two burials, metalled surfaces, and spreads of demolition debris. This further work in 2008/9 confirmed the extent of the Romano-British site and showed severe truncation in the northern part. In situ Romano-British deposits were encountered immediately beneath topsoil at the southern end of the development site, consisting of gullies and ditches, and a spread of demolition debris, similar to features seen in the earlier evaluation and watching brief. Within the development area one trench (Trench 27) revealed an oval-shaped fire pit with burning, and evidence of a second feature of uncertain nature.