EDO4587 - Dorset County Hospital Site A, Dorchester

Dorchester Hospital Site A was one of a number of excavations undertaken in the area of the Dorset County Hospital site during 1969-1970, in advance of building extensions to the hospital, under the auspices of the Dorchester Excavation Committee. Site A was directed by Bill Putnam and was designed to investigate the Roman town defences in this part of the Roman town. It comprised a trench 3m wide and 27m long into the rear of the south rampart, near the SW corner of the town. A 2nd -3rd century date was suggested for the construction of the chalk rampart. Three substantial post holes suggested a large structure, possibly a tower contemporary with the rampart. To the north the remains of a domestic building cut off the tail of the rampart. It was constructed of Portland stone with flint foundations and was in use soon after the construction of the rampart. A chalk quarry pit may be connected with the rampart's construction. (1) The excavation was continued to the south of the hospital site, across Bowling Alley Walk in 1970, to provide a more complete section across the rampart This event is linked with EDO4584 which continued the above section through the rampart to the south across Bowling Alley Walk. (2)