Monument record MDO4631 - 22 Bimport, Shaftesbury: medieval pit

A medieval pit recorded during excavations in advance of development in 1976. The pit was approximately one metre deep and one and a half metres in diameter at the top, and it was reported that the filling of the pit contained bone, metal, ceramics, pitch and glass.

'L14. 22 Bimport. Shaftesbury. Gd ref. ST 8592622637. 1976. Interim Report. Director - Bill Moore SDAG. This exploratory excavation was pursued in an attempt to locate evidence of the past existence of Saint Mary's Church. A section 3 meters x 1 metre on a North/South line, was excavated to a depth of 2 metres. The edge of a rubble filled pit was located central to the West side, at a depth of 1 metre. A further section was cut vertically above this, central to the length and measuring 1.5 x 1.5 metres. The pit was excavated and found to be 1 metre in depth, by 1.5 metres in diameter at the surface. The contents, which consisted of Bone, Metal, Ceramics, Pitch and Glass have yet to be processed. Worthy of note was the layer of Charcoal at a depth of 1.3 metres in the North East corner and measuring 50 cm thick. A large quantity of Greensand was located at the southern end of the section, forming a rubble heap 1 metre from the surface and contemporary with the above pit. No evidence of constructions. The site is now superimposed by a single storey building, consisting of garages and connecting showroom. Our grateful thanks to Roy and Sheila Sanford and Sons, who, not only allowed the excavation to take place, but gave valued assistance. Photographic Record.' (1) '(ST 8592622837). Excavations were carried out at 22 Bimport in advance of redevelopment to obtain evidence for the location of St Mary's church. No building evidence was found.' (2) The ten sherds of medieval pottery recovered from this excavation were studied by Paul Spoerry. The assemblage contained mainly large storage jar sherds and included four sherds of 'Hermitage-type ware' of late 13th-15th century date; five sherds of quartz-tempered fabric and one sherd of Laverstock-type ware of 13th century date. (3)

Record last edited

Nov 15 2013 3:27PM