Source/Archive record SEM8708 - Time Team Digital: Dig Village, test pitting south of the Tithe Barn, Dunster, Somerset. Results of archaeological test pitting

This report presents the results of a single archaeological evaluation (test pit) carried out by South West Archaeology Ltd. (SWARCH) in the garden south of the Tithe Barn, Dunster, Somerset. This work was informed by an earlier program of test pitting in Dunster as part of the Time Team Digital Dig Village. The purpose of this work was to establish the depth of natural within the garden and potentially locate remains of a cloister associated with Dunster Priory. The test pit validated the theory that the cloister of the priory that fell into decline post its dissolution, c.1539, probably extended as far as this point in the gardens south of the tithe barn; however, the amount of post-medieval activity across the gardens leaves opportunity for speculation as to multiple phases of post-medieval garden redesign and activity. It ascertained the depth of natural in this part of the garden and identified approximately three phases of post-medieval garden activity, including bedding terraces and possibly two pathways. The test pit revealed features (a pit and gully) either contemporary to-, or earlier than the Priory.