SDO13974 - Curtis Fields, Land South of Chickerell Road, Weymouth, Dorset, An Archaeological Field Evaluation and Limited Excavation

‘Context One Archaeological Services Ltd (COAS) carried out an Archaeological Field Evaluation and Limited Excavation on land to the south of Chickerell Road, Weymouth, Dorset (NGR SY 66158 78742) in 2013 and 2014. The field evaluation was preceded by a desk-based assessment (Tabor 2013). The evaluation comprised a targeted geophysical survey undertaken by GeoFlo South West Geophysical and Flotation Services followed by trail trenching over 12 days in January and February 2013. A further phase of archaeological work involving a limited excavation was carried out over 4 days [between] in May 2014. The complete programme of works was commissioned by Western Design Architects and funded by Betterment Properties (Weymouth) Ltd. Both the desk-based assessment and evaluation results were submitted in support of a planning application for residential development (Planning reference: WP/12/00907/OUT). The evaluation results (this report) identified two discreet [sic] areas of archaeological potential relating to two prehistoric flint scatters. Outline permission was granted on Appeal in early 2014 and Condition 13 required an excavation of those areas in mitigation of the development. Given the limited results of the subsequent excavation, it was agreed to incorporate and update the results of the evaluation report. The evaluation produced mixed results. Specific possible features identified during the desk-based assessment were not confirmed, with the exception of a hollow way which probably corresponds with a post-medieval or earlier route linked to the extant Cockle Lane. The exceptionally difficult ground conditions frustrated attempts to investigate some of the few geophysical anomalies. Conversely, the discovery of two off-chalk flint scatters is of some importance. The character of the assemblages indicates a Neolithic date (specifically, the 3rd millennium BC) and demonstrates very early activity on the Site. The subsequent limited excavation of these flint scatters identified only six additional flints around one of the scatters, proving that the extent had bene found during the evaluation. Nevertheless, the flint scatters are of significant archaeological interest. The Neolithic period is largely characterised by transient communities, using favoured locales as part of seasonal migration routes. The scatters could be indicative of such a seasonal stop and may simply reflect tool production during a temporary stay. The scatters may be contemporary and are indicative of the exploitation of a very particular wet valley-bottom ecological niche. This combination of restricted time and space is rare in British archaeology of the period therefore the discoveries shed some light on poorly understood aspects of later Neolithic subsistence. It is possible that this activity might be associated with a temporary camp such as shelters and other domestic activities although the brief nature of encampment rarely leaves traces of physical evidence. Indeed, no features were identified during the archaeological programme of works although on-going archaeological work in the immediate environs has uncovered further flint scatters which will no doubt place the Site within a wider context.’