Monument record MDO2036 - Medieval cultivation remains and a prehistoric field system on Rocket Hill, Portesham

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Summary

Medieval strip fields at Portesham, overlying traces of 'celtic' field. Recorded by the RCHM as extant earthworks and also visible as earthworks and cropmarks on aerial photographs.

Map

Type and Period (2)

Full Description

Medieval strip fields at Portesham, overlying traces of 'celtic' fields. Recorded by the RCHM as a complex of field systems, including strip fields, scarps possibly of celtic fields, a block of rectangular scarped plots, and narrow ridge-and-furrow. A curving footpath marked on OS maps appears on the ground as a hollow-way. <1> Also visible as earthworks and cropmarks on aerial photographs {2-7} and were digitally plotted during the South Dorset Ridgeway Mapping Project. The strip lynchets appear to be part of a larger medieval filed system extending from Portesham to Waddon, incorporating several records (MDO2036-39 & MDO2103). They have been destroyed in part due to extensive post-medieval quarrying and limekiln works along the eastern side. Several 'stones' are marked on the modern OS map at this location, some of which appear to be visible as extant features on aerial photographs {2-3}. They are of uncertain date and function and may or may not bear any relation to this field system complex.

Sources/Archives (9)

  • <1> Monograph: Royal Commission on Historical Monuments (England). 1970. An Inventory of Historical Monuments in the County of Dorset, Volume II (South East) Part 2. 246.
  • <2> Aerial Photograph: Royal Air Force. 17-1-1947. RAF/CPE/UK/1934 1067-9.
  • <3> Aerial Photograph: Royal Air Force. 04-NOV-1946. RAF/CPE/UK/1824 3299-3300.
  • <4> Aerial Photograph: 1-2-1968. MAL 68052-3.
  • <5> Aerial Photograph: 30-11-1980. MAL 3880 176-78.
  • <6> Aerial Photograph: 12-5-2002. PGA SY6085.
  • <7> Aerial Photograph: 12-5-2002. PGA SY6086.
  • <8> Unpublished document: Cox, P W, and Chandler, J. 1996. A preliminary archaeological assessment of a proposed housing development at Front Street, Portesham, Dorset.
  • <9> Unpublished document: Valentin J. 1996. An Archaeological Evaluation of a Proposed Housing Development at Front Street, Portesham, Dorset.

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Location

Grid reference Centred SY 608 860 (446m by 555m) (68 map features)
Map sheet SY68NW
Civil Parish Portesham; Dorset
Unitary Authority Dorset

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Other Statuses/References

  • Legacy UID: Dorset Sites and Monuments Record: 1 090 032 C
  • Royal Commission Inventory Reference: Portesham 32

Record last edited

Jun 30 2020 7:39PM

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