Since 2018 Oakford Archaeology have been the lead heritage consultants at Forde Abbey, a former cistercian monastery and stately home in Dorset. The site of the former abbey church and cloister are protected as a scheduled monument, while the standing remains of the abbey and stately home are Grade 1 listed buildings. The extensive parkland is also statutorily protected. The abbey management team and architects were looking at undertaking a large project renewing the outdated drains and sewers. The work initially required a complete re-assessment of the existing buildings and a history of the development of the site showing demolished ranges, in order to minimise the impact of the proposed works on the underlying archaeological resource. Oakford Archaeology were commissioned to create a report which functioned as a baseline planning document for archaeologists, conservators and other contractors working on the abbey during the planned works.
In the run-up to the main phase of work Oakford Archaeology have been monitoring a borehole survey by Red Rock Geoscience Ltd of prospective location sites for the main sewage treatment plant.
For any questions or enquiries about planned work on historic buildings or heritage assets, please get in touch.