EDO3745 - Colliton Garage, Miller's Close, Dorchester; observations and recording 2003

An archaeological watching brief was carried out by Niall Oakey, Heritage Consultant, during groundworks for a development in Miller’s Close, Dorchester in October 2003. The site falls within the area occupied by the 19th century Royal Horse Artillery barracks. Considerable modification had taken place to create the artificial terrace upon which the site stood and natural chalk had undergone localised deep truncation with a buried topsoil surviving only in the western portion of the site. A series of north-south wall foundations were thought to be associated with the creation of a level terrace and for buildings on the site in the later 19th and 20th centuries. Considerable amounts of material had been introduced to the site to create level ground. With the exception of an unstratified flint flake and re-used limestone masonry, no evidence was found for activity pre-dating the 19th century. No significant archaeological deposits were recorded.