Description

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Orchard Homes and Developments Ltd (the Client) to undertake an archaeological evaluation and watching brief on land to the rear of the King’s Arms Hotel, Christchurch, Dorset (the Site), located at NGR 415993 092765.
The Written Scheme of Investigation allowed for the excavation of a single evaluation trench c.14 m in length in an area previously inaccessible to archaeological investigation. Although no significant archaeological remains were found during the previous evaluation, (Wessex ref. 59751), concerns raised by the Christchurch Antiquarians led to a cautionary Watching Brief condition being attached to planning permission. Due to the lack of discoveries on Site and the poor ground conditions the Watching Brief was discontinued and no further evaluation trenches were excavated.
Archaeological features present in the evaluation trench dated to the late post-medieval and modern periods, confirming the results of the earlier evaluation.