EDO4608 - Water Main, Wareham Road, Dorchester

R.N.R. Peers and C.J. Bailey observed the excavation of a 2ft wide trench for water mains for the new Friars Close housing development` in the vicinity of Wareham Road during 1960. Inhumations, probably four in number, were observed in the trenches. The first was a large male extended W-E with the head tilted forward was observed some 44 yards from the Wareham Road. The grave had a rounded base, cut into the chalk and contained a few sherds of coarse pottery and samian but no grave goods. Human bones were also seen at two places 35 yds and 53 yds to the NNE. 6.5ft beyond the latter, human bones, of which a broken mandible was preserved, were found near a small 1st century Durotrigian jar. The jaw was of a 40+ year old male with peridontal disease. At least 7 shallow depressions, mostly saucer shaped, were observed cut into the chalk between the burials.