SDO12301 - The Old Rectory, Blandford Close, Hamworthy, Poole. Archaeological Evaluation, July 2004

In July 2004, Terrain Archaeology carried out an evaluation on the site of a proposed new housing development adjacent to the Old Rectory, Hamworthy (NGR SY68889064). This site lies on the projected alignment of the Roman road from Hwmworthy to Lake. Three trenches were excavated, one across the projected line of the Roman road, one to the south and one in the garden of the Old Rectory. No trace of the Roman road was identified and it is considered that the projected alignment of the road as marked on the Ordnance Survey maps is probably incorrect. Two phases of features were discovered in Trench 1, the earlier features are undated but the later featureas are all of early 19th century date. The features were mainly small gullies or ditches and pits and the lack of finds makes if difficult to interpret their function. None are considered to be of great archaeologcial significance. Overall, the small number of features and the general lack of artefacts suggest that this area was not a focus of activity in the past. Part of the former drive to the Old Rectory was discovered in Trench 2 in the southern end of the site.