SDO14994 - Catmead, Mill Street, Puddletown, Dorset. Archaeological Evaluation Report

‘Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by the Trustees of the Brymer Voluntary Settlement, through their agents Humberts Chartered Surveyors, to undertake an archaeological evaluation of land at Catmead, Puddletown, Dorset, centred on NGR 375700 094600, situated on the west side of Puddletown, some 7km to the north east of Dorchester. The evaluation followed a rapid appraisal of the site and forms part of a stages assessment of the archaeological implications of development proposals by Brymer Voluntary Settlement. Information arising from the evaluation is intended to form the basis of advice, to be provided by the Dorset County Archaeological Officer to West Dorset District Council, which is material to the determination of an application for planning permission for the proposed development. Visible earthworks on the site, the subject of a survey by RCHME, appear to represent a defunct water meadow system, possibly of 17th century date. The evaluation comprised the excavation of three trenches. Sub-surface deposits and features, and the water meadow system earthworks were characterised. Features including linear ditches and a pit, contained medieval pottery and were recorded in all the trenches, beneath ‘carrier’ ditches and related deposits forming part of the water meadow system. A small quantity of residual Bronze Age flint work was also recovered. It would appear that the Site contains evidence of medieval activity beneath the water meadow system. Water meadow systems of different types and condition occur on the Frome and Piddle river systems nearby. The water meadow system on the site is of an established type and survives in good, although relic, condition. It may be argued that, of its type, it is unusual as it represents an early and simpler example of water meadow systems in the area, and as such it is a valuable monument within the corpus.’