More information : (ST 99325845) Probable site of the Bishops' of Salisbury Manor House at Potterne which is known from documents to have been occupied in 1297, was uncovered during an exploratory excavation which revealed the much robbed foundation of possibly the chapel or barn mentioned in medieval documents see illustration. The impression given is of the debris of a collapsed stone-tiled roof and trench for large cut-stone foundations. Possible flooring in the form of a 2ins thick layer of chalk overlay the uncovered area. Two probable post and
holes could have been for supports of a lean-to extension.
Finds were not stratified in the much disturbed ground but included encaustic floor-tile fragments, roof-tile (some possibly 13th/14th century), nails, door studs, ox shoe and animal bones. Domestic pottery was dated 13th/14th century and 16th/18th century. No indication of buildingg on air photographs (3).
About 1933 two large non-local stone steps were found in digging at
Plump Well (described as 'Spring' on OS 6" 1961, ST 99325855).
ST 99355840 A small excavation in 1961 revealed possible surfacing and an apparent post-hole. (1-3)
The site of the medieval building, of which there are now no
visible remains, lies upon a piece of level ground under
rough pasture.
('Court Hill' (OS 25" - ST 992584), may be a significant name). (4)
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