SWX8479 - Portesham Mains Replacement, Portesham, Dorset. Archaeological Assessment April 2003.

It is considered that the archaeological potential for Site A is low, on the basis that the topography suggests that the whole area has been significantly disturbed by quarrying. Prior to quarrying, the site would have been on the steeply sloping end of the ridge and was unlikely to have had any significant archaeological remains, other than medieval strip lynchets. The archaeological potential of Site B is much higher … The south-facing slope is a location favourable for settlemetn, with numerous springs in the area, though the soils are poorly drained. The previously recorded discoveries in and immediately to the west of Waddon, just outside of Site B, indicate that there has been significant activity in this area from at least the Bronze Age period. It is assumed that the main focus of any settement is likely to have been in the vicinity of the present Waddon House, but it is possible that some settlement remains may extend into the western part of Site B. The Early Iron Age settlement investigated by the Time Team is unlikely to continue as far to the east as Site B. any potential archaeological remains on Site B are likely to be associated with the medieval and post-medieval settlement of the area and are most probably concentrated in the northern part of the Site.