Sedimentological analysis of an urban soil sequence from Corfe Castle, Dorset. A history of land use and anthropogenic activity

Abstract

The combination of traditional archaeological test pit excavation and detailed scientific analysis of an urban soil sequence from Corfe Castle has enabled a detailed history of land use and anthropogenic activity to be uncovered. Artefactual evidence indicates a chronology of land use and activity which extends from the medieval period to the present day. The 0.80m deep soil
record shows evidence for possible cultivation of an in situ clay rich soil from the 1200s, with some anthropogenic amendment. More intensive manuring occurred between c.1200–1500 evidenced by an increased soil depth, fertility and drainage and the formation of distinctive hortisol deposits. The greatest phase of anthropogenic amendment occurred in the post medieval (1500–1750)
and modern periods (1750–1950) when archaeological, scientific and historic information indicate the greatest deposition of organic and inorganic manuring material associated with increased cultivation, most recently in smaller subdivided garden enclosures each with on-site occupation. The results of this research highlight the potential contribution that scientific analysis of soil sequences can provide towards understanding of historic land use, occupation
and human activity across the urban extent of historic settlement areas such as Corfe Castle and the importance of utilising appropriate multidisciplinary processes to discern the nuanced history of such locations.

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