Monument record MDO1911 - Prehistoric field system, Piddlehinton

An extensive prehistoric field system, partly overlain by medieval cultivation remains.

Group (45): Dole's Hill. 'Celtic' fields, now mostly destroyed were virtually continuous over at least 2000 acres on either side of Lisc brook,north from Home Eweleaze, Puddletown (SY 743958) to Kingcombe (ST 741002 - for this area of field system see ST 70 SW 47. The alignment of the fields in the N half of the group is markedly along a NW to SE axis. This is continuous, though broken physically, across the Lisc brook, and is unaffected by the lie of the ground. Further S, the alignment is generally the same to E of the stream, but it changes slightly on W, where it is congruent with the pattern of tracks. There are no suggestions of boundary lines other than the stream S front enclosure (SY 79 NW 34), an unassociated low bank running NE across Eweleaze, N of Dole's Ash Farm, and the tracks and ditches already mentioned. A narrow band, at the most 80 yds. Across, was probably uncultivated along the line of the brook. Original field sizes appear to run from 1/2 acre to 11/2 acres. Fields which appear to be larger than this are almost certainly the result of destruction of field sides. Shapes are generally rectangular and proportions of length to breadth less than 21/2:1. Fields of irregular shape are notable W of the probable settlement area (SY 79 NW 42) in Puddletown, where the turn of the spur may be partly responsible, and SW of barrow Puddletown (51). 741973 (SY 79 NW 12). Immediately N of the latter is a long field, 110 yds. By 30 yds. And another of the same dimensions occurs S of the tip of Dole's Hill at 73839785. There are others on Cheselbourne West Down. The fields about 220 yds. Long on Home Eweleaze, Puddletown, N of Druce Farm, are almost certainly a consequence of medieval strip-ploughing. Lynchets were generally well-developed, frequently up to 6 ft. high on gentle to moderate slopes and up to 20 ft high where they incorporate a natural shoulder on the edge of the stream. Dating evidence is scanty. Round barrows, probably of earlier date than the fields, were apparently respected and generally lie by field angles or sides. The known or suspected settlements probably associated with the fields in different phases range from Iron Age 'A' to Romano-British. Pottery found on the fields is of corresponding date (Dorset Procs, 74 (1952), 87-9). Air photographs: CPE/UK 1934: 4102-7; 1974 1363-4 2365-7, 3363-9: 58/RAF/5768;0028-38; Cambridge University Collections, vertical, K17 E142-7; obliques, LR 45-62,, AGT 17, 18, 23. No certain settlements survive as earthworks but two may be roughly placed by surface concentration of occupation debris. The first in Dewlish (SY 79 NE 42 see also SY 79 NE 14) and the second south of Well House cottages (SY 79 NW 42). One other settlement (SY 79 NW 40) is chiefly suggested by arrangements of trackways on Hog Leaze. A small ploughed enclosure on Dole's Hill (SY 79 NW 41) and three more possible enclosures (see SY 79 NW 34; SY 79 NW 43 and ST 79 NE 55) are suggested on air photographs. For extent of field system see map. <3> Well defined field systems on available RAF air photographs <1> (Partial cover of system only). Field lynchets, though nowhere prominent, are plainly visible as rounded scarps throughout the area outlined on OS 6" Record Sheets. <4>

Record last edited

Jul 21 2023 9:53AM