Monument record MDO3617 - Field boundary, Tan Lane, Bourton

Medieval field boundary recorded in archaeological evaluation at Tan Lane, Bourton

'Tan Lane, Bourton, near Gillingham. An evaluation was carried out in advance of proposed residential development. The site encompasses c. 1.5 ha of pasture either side of Tan Lane on the north-eastern edge of the village (ST 7805 3100). Bourton was first mentioned in AD 1212 and was included within the parish of Gillingham until the 19th century. As an agricultural hamlet, it generated moderate incomes from the woollen and textile trades of the Wiltshire and Somerset borders until the 19th century (RCHM 1972, 3). The County Archaeological Officer recorded the presence of slight, regular earthwork platforms and terraces on either side of Tan Lane. They survive as low, rectangular terraces aligned with Tan Lane. There are three, possibly four, terraces north of Tan Lane and one terrace in the north-west corner of the field south of the lane. The evaluation consisted of the excavation and recording of three machine trenches in the proposed development area. Apart from rubble-filled land drains of recent date, only two features were recorded: a relic hedgeline and a shallow negative lynchet. Both features corresponded with the lower and upper edges of earthwork terraces, and were their only subsoil components. No artefacts were recovered. On the evidence of the evaluation trenches, it is likely that the earthworks are remnants of a system of small field enclosures. No dating evidence for their construction was found. The work was commissioned by Brimble, Lea and Partners on behalf of the landowners, Mr and Mrs Shearing. The project was managed by Roland J.C. Smith and directed in the field by Michael J. Heaton.' {1}

Record last edited

Oct 26 2017 2:56PM