SDO186 - Grimstone to Forston Pipeline. Archaeological Watching Brief Observations, June 1990.

In April 1990 Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Wessex Water to conduct an archaeological watching brief during the construction of a 300mm diameter water main between Grimstone and Forston, approximately 4.5Km to the north west of Dorchester, in West Dorset. The route passed close to a number of known prehistoric and Romano-British sites, and the strong likelihood of other previously unknown sites being encountered during construction necessitated observations by qualified archaeologists. The pipeline construction was part of large scale main laying operation across the Wessex region during which archaeological observations had been maintained. The work was carried out over two weeks in June 1990. The pipeline cut through a small number of archaeological features of unknown date, most of which are concentrated around Stratton Bottom. Linear features at Grimstone Down settlement were observed to continue beyond the boundaries of the site into the arable field to the south.