SDO12498 - 19 Blandford Road, Hamworthy, Poole. Archaeological Excavation Report

‘Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Peter Bellamy of Terrain Archaeology on behalf of Scammell Securities PLC to undertake a programme of archaeological excavations on land proposed for new development at 19 Blandford Road, Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset centred on NGR 400037 009017 and hereafter referred to as ‘the Site’ (Figure 1). Previous archaeological evaluation undertaken by Terrain Archaeology in July 2006 and June 2008 had identified evidence of Late Iron Age and Roman occupation in the form of a series of small ditch systems, together with a number of possible pits and postholes. This included two clay lined pits suggestive of Late Iron Age saltworking activity. In consultation with Dorset County Council four areas were identified for further mitigation (Areas A-D). The archaeological excavation of Areas B, C and D were undertaken between April and September 2008 and Area A was undertaken in July 2009. The Site provided important information on the continuous occupation of the Hamworthy peninsular during the later Iron Age and Early Roman period adding significantly to the limited body of knowledge already known. The lack of obvious military features/finds recorded also provides an interesting insight into the possible impact the establishment of a military Roman supply base had on the existing inhabitants who appear to have already developed an economy incorporating both local and Romanised wares. Late Bronze Age occupation of the Site is testified by the recovery of pottery within excavated deposits though due to the nature of the geology and the extensive later occupation few features have survived. A series of inter-connected and re-cut rectilinear ditched enclosures were recorded across the Site and demonstrate a continuous occupation of the Hamworthy peninsula through the Late Iron Age and Romano-British period. It is possible the ditches were used for the channelling of brine and the salt processing involving briquetage troughs. The presence of wattle impressed fried clay also infers the presence of structures on the Site, although no evidence in the form of cut features could be identified. A majority of the pottery recovered dated between the Late Iron Age and early Romano-British period and incorporated a range of pottery types and fabrics representing the influence of cross channel trading. Trading across the channel and up the southern coast of Britain is also implied by the presence of non local stone on the Site.’