EDO4139 - Roman Walls, South Walks, Dorchester; observations and recording 1998

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by BT Access Network Planning to maintain an archaeological watching brief during the replacement of manhole covers within the scheduled area of Scheduled Monument Dorset 648, Dorchester Roman Walls at South Walks, Dorchester, Dorset (1) (2). Two trenches within the scheduled area on South Walks, together with a third to the south, were observed and recorded during excavation for the replacement of manhole covers. Substantial concrete conduits were observed underneath the manholes, which would have destroyed any in situ archaeological deposits. Archaeological observations had been made by Wessex Archaeology during the insertion of these conduits in May 1985 (3). A layer of light grey soft silty clay, which may be derived from the Roman town defences along the line of South Walks, was observed within Trench 2. No other features or deposits of archaeological significance were observed during the watching brief and not artefacts were recovered.