Digging deep into Wimborne’s past

East Dorset District Council is assisting a local archaeological society dig a little deeper into Wimborne’s past and gain an insight into the town’s long and remarkable history.

As part of its future plans to pedestrianise part of Wimborne Square, the council will dig two trial holes per day, for three days, starting on Monday 19 October.

Once the council’s work is complete, a team of archaeologists from East Dorset Antiquarian Society will excavate each hole further. The team will dig a little deeper and carry out a full investigation into the ground beneath our feet.

The square is known to have once been the site of a cemetery and St Peter’s Church, but their boundaries are not known. The main objective of the dig is to record any features that reveal the square’s past, determine any boundaries and see if any evidence of the church and its cemetery still exists.

Cllr Barbara Manuel, Lead Member for Culture, said: “There are significant gaps in the history of Wimborne and this is a great opportunity to learn more about past times and activities within the town’s square.

“The council is delighted to be able to assist in this fascinating work.”