Monument record MDO6821 - Medieval activity near Castle Street, Old Orchard Car Park, Poole

Evidence for medieval activity near the Castle Street frontage was found during excavations on the Old Orchard Car Park site. This included a scatter of post holes, stake holes, small pits, a curvilinear ditch and possibly an oven of 13th-14th century date.

Rescue excavations by Poole Museum on the Old Orchard Car Park site in 1973 revealed a concentration of features of probable 13th-14th century date in the area close to the Castle Street frontage. This evidence comprised a scatter of stakeholes sealed beneath an area of burning, a scatter of postholes, small pits and slots, a curvilinear ditch and an oven. (1)(2) The stakeholes and postholes did not appear form any coherent pattern. The ditch was about 1.9m wide and 0.31m deep and filled with dark sandy soil with oyster shells and charcoal and was apparently associated with scratch-marked pottery of 13th century or later date. The post holes, small pits and slots were associated with scratch-marked pottery of 13th-14th century date. The feature described as an oven was undated but was thought to be associated with the medieval activity in this area, It was lined with burnt clay. (1) The archaeological record is not detailed enough to determine the precise nature of the medieval activity in this area, nor of its overall extent. It is likely to represent backyard activity associated with medieval occupation of this area.

Record last edited

Sep 21 2022 9:12AM