Monument record MDO2289 - Medieval farmstead, Copse Mead, Puncknowle

Earthworks of a medieval farmstead identified in a meadow known as Copse Mead. Visible on aerial photographs and digitally plotted for the South Dorset Ridgeway Mapping Project.

(Area centred SY54518812) At the northern end of a long, grass covered field are a number of scarps and banks. These average 0.5m high. The field slopes downwards from W to E and at the E side is a small stream. There are three platform-like features. Two, at the upper and W side of the field are roughly square in plan, with sides of approximately 35.0m. The third is lower down the slope and smaller in size. The site has the appearance of a small area of depopulation, perhaps of medieval date. There has been recent disturbance across the area with the laying of water pipes, but in the upcast from this activity and the numerous molescrapes only two small sherds of fine quality brown unglazed pottery were found. No information was obtained in the locality about the site. See also AP CPE/UK/1824/3309. <1> SY 545882. Deserted medieval farmstead between two streams in a meadow called Copse Mead. The principal platform measures about 47 by 10 yards with a scarp 2-3ft high and it appears to have been divided into two parts. A recent trench across it revealed flat lime-stone blocks. E of this platform is a long flat area bounded by scarps 20 yds square, and N of it is another platform 20 yds across. To the S are further banks and scarps. The only finds are a few abraded sherds of flinted and sandy medieval pottery. <2> Visible on aerial photographs <3> and digitally plotted for the South Dorset Ridgeway Mapping Project.

Record last edited

Apr 11 2023 5:23PM