Monument record MDO4199 - Prehistoric field system, Keyneston Down

Extensive traces of prehistoric fields, now discontinuous and largely flattened by ploughing to the west, south and east of Buzbury Rings. These fields appear to be laid out along the lines of a series of pre-existing linear dykes. A number of geophysical anomalies were identified within this field system in 2012 and subsequent excavation revealed these to represent small field boundary ditches. Features associated with these field systems are visible as earthworks and cropmarks on aerial photographs and Envirtonment Agency lidar imagery and were digitally plotted during the Dorset Middle Stour AIM Project.

'Celtic' fields, now largely flattened by ploughing and discontinuous, are centred at ST 915055 and are 1ssociated with Buzbury Rings (ST 90 NW 13) and a number of dykes. Traces of a number of fields, up to 60 yds wide and of uncertain length, are detectable in Langton Long Blandford just W of Buzbury Rings, around ST 915060. Clearly they are laid off the linear dyke (ST 90 NW 32), between which and the dyke (ST 90 NW 100) are at least four large rectagular fields, measuring up to 85 yds by 130 yds. To the S of Buzbury Rings heavy ploughing has totally flattened the fields, but traces are visible as far S as ST 916047. Air photographs suggest that fields have been relaid near the linear earthwork (ST 90 NW 28), as some appear to be related to it and others to be cut by it. <1> <2> Part of this field system was subject to geophysical survey along the route of the proposed Corfe Mullen to Salisbury Water Transfer Scheme in 2012. A number of positive linear anomalies were identified which represent field boundary ditches of this field system. <3> Evaluation excavation investigated a number of the geophysical anomalies and these proved to represent small boundary ditches. No dating evidence was recovered. <4> A continuation of Iron Age or Roman field systems as recorded in NRHE UID 209363. Soilmarks seen in 2007 aerial photography show a pattern of rectangular fields. <5> Features associated with these field systems are visible as earthworks and cropmarks on aerial photographs and Environment Agency lidar imagery [6 - 15]. These sources indicate that the field systems extend beyond the current HER polygons, particularly to the east and southwest of Buzbury Rings. A possible rectilinear enclosure recorded under NRHE Hob UID 981396 is thought to form part of the wider integrated field system. The features were digitally plotted during the Dorset Middle Stour AIM Project.

Record last edited

Feb 14 2023 4:43PM