Monument record MDO4647 - Neolithic/Bronze Age pits near Mampitts Lane, Shaftesbury

Multi-phase prehistoric occupation revealed during grave-digging; in the form of a circular pit with a hearth at the bottom. The pit was just over two metres in diameter, and the filling of the pit contained worked flint points and pottery of Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age date. The function of the pit is not known, but it is presumed to represent occupation of some sort. A second circular pit, adjoining the previous and producing similar dating evidence, was partially excavated subsequently – see MDO22322. Both are reported as producing Early Iron Age pottery from their upper fills.

ST 87252284. In December 1949 a pit, 9ft. in diameter and about 4ft deep, with a central hearth of ash and charcoal was found during grave-digging [Note: ie MDO4647]. The undisturbed half of the pit was subsequently excavated by Mr. N. Teulon Porter. The finds consisted of knapper's waste, mostly flint flakes, though flint is not local, and a few completed tools including scrapers and a small greensand rubber. Pottery sherds from the bottom of the pit were identified at the British-Museum as probably late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age. There was a scatter of Early Iron Age sherds in the infilling of the pit. <1> Later a second pit was completely excavated [Note: ie MDO22322], this was 3-4 ft. N.W. of the edge of the first site. It was similar, 8ft.,in diameter and 1ft.6ins deep. In the central hearth were found about 100 small lumps of a mixture of charcoal and ash bound together with some adhesive material - fat is tentatively suggested. The finds from these excavations are in the Shaftesbury Museum. <2> Mr Teulon Porter pointed out the site on the plan but had no additional information. The site falls in the centre of a graveyard and no visible trace remains of the pits. <3>

Record last edited

Jan 5 2023 10:23AM