A shrunken medieval village and earlier prehistoric settlement remains at Walnut Tree Field

Scheduled area

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History & significance

Walnut Tree Field is a scheduled ancient monument containing evidence of occupation spanning from prehistoric times through the medieval period. The site preserves the earthwork remains of a shrunken medieval village, indicating settlement contraction or abandonment that occurred in the later medieval period, a pattern repeated across many English rural landscapes. Earlier prehistoric settlement activity at the location testifies to the long-term significance of this location for human habitation. The surviving archaeological features provide important evidence for understanding patterns of medieval settlement organisation and the processes of village desertion in Dorset.

A shrunken medieval village and earlier prehistoric settlement remains at Walnut Tree Field is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1008750. View the official record →

Questions & answers

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