SDO14398 - Portland Castle. Archaeological Field Evaluation.

‘An archaeological field evaluation was carried out in advance of landscaping works within the proposed ‘Events Area’ lying to the south-east of the castle. The evaluation uncovered no building remains or indications of occupation dating from before the 20th century, and showed that the area had previously remained open ground. The lowest archaeological level was a ploughsoil of probable Roman date. This contained residual prehistoric chert and flint finds. Above the ploughsoil was a layer of Portland stone chippings which may well represent masons’ waste from the construction of the castle in 1539-40. Part of the in filling of the defensive ditch surrounding the castle was also examined. The excavations were deepened in places in order to investigate the underlying naturally deposited clays and gravels. These also contained prehistoric chert and flint objects, and are interpreted as hillwash deposits which originated on higher ground to the southeast. The sizeable collection of prehistoric lithic finds recovered from this and previous excavations at the site therefore probably derives in large part from natural processes which carried objects to the site from elsewhere, rather than prehistoric activity on the site itself. However, some prehistoric activity on the site cannot be ruled out.’