SWX8641 - An Archaeological Evaluation on the site of a proposed all-weather hockey pitch, Redlands Sports Ground, Weymouth, Dorset

The archaeological evaluation of a proposed all-weather hockey pitch at Redlands Sports Ground, Weymouth was carried out during June 1997. Removal by mechanical excavator of on average 250mm of topsoil revealed the presence of well preserved archaeological deposits of Romano-British date. These deposits comprised at least one stone built building, cut features, occupation and demolition deposits, a stone lined drain and a single infant inhumation adjacent to a probable building. The high density of subsoil features meant only limited hand excavation, with investigation generally comprising cleaning, recording and the collection of artefacts from the exposed surface. Nevertheless, significant quantities were recovered, including local black burnished coarseware, imported finewares, small quantities of roof tile, shale, ironwork, and flint tools used in the lathe manufacture of shale objects. The pottery evidence indicates a 1st or 2nd century AD emphasis for the site, with little evidence for earlier or later activity. It can be shown that the site extends the full extent of the proposed development east to west, but it was not possible to fully define its extent to the north and south. However, the last 15m at the northern end of Trench 2 was completely devoid of archaeological material. This does not preclude the possibility of an open space area between different areas of activity of this Romano-British settlement.