EDO5709 - Bridport Town Hall; observations and recording 2011

Observations and recording carried out by Context One Archaeological Services in February and June 2011 during internal alterations to Bridport Town Hall. Work was confined to the ground floor of the building. Excavation of the ground floor was monitored, with time being allowed for excavation and recording of significant features and deposits. Features and spoil removed from the site were examined for finds, but none were recovered. No environmental samples were collected. Relatively modern rubble and pits were observed through most of the building, and it appeared that a considerable amount of disturbance had been caused during work to instal toilets in 1936. Trenches 5 and 6 addressed a large well, identified as the Borough Well, observed during work in 1998; it was well constructed of massive sandy limestones and other stones which could not be identified, and at least 4m deep. A second well was found under the threshold of the south door. The well was built of stone and had been modified by the addition of a brick-built manhole and culvert. This well was also at least 4m deep, but could not be dated.