SDO12226 - 1 West Hill, Charminster, Dorset. Archaeological Observations

A watching brief was undertaken during the construction of an extension to the house at 1 West Hill, Charminster, Dorset. The site is situated adjacent to the southwest corner of St Mary's, Charminster churchyard. Historic mapping evidence suggests that the site had once been within a much larger churchyard, probably part of the Saxon Minister church. Eleven, possibly twelve, graves were exposed during the groundworks. These were all aligned east-west and arranged in rows and it is assumed that they are associated with the earlier graveyard. The skeletons were not lifted but were immediately reburied. No dating evidence for the burials was obtained but it is possible that they are of Saxon early medieval date. A single earlier undated feature was also exposed.