Monument record MDO18667 - Library Site, Colliton Park, Dorchester; Roman Pit K

Please read our .

Summary

Pit K was found during the excavations on the site of the new Dorset County Library, Colliton Park, Dorchester in 1961-63. It was a large rectangular pit about 5m deep with vertical sides, with several ledges on the western side. It was probably built as a storage pit and was subsequently backfilled with layers of dark soil, chalk, flints, mortar, and other building rubble. Quantities of New Forest pottery including parchment ware were found in the bottom of the pit, suggesting it was filled in c. AD350. The building rubble within this pit may have come from the demolition of Building 3. Building 5 was built over the top of this pit.

Map

Type and Period (2)

Full Description

Pit K was found during the excavations on the site of the new Dorset County Library, Colliton Park, Dorchester in 1961-63 (1) (2). It was a large rectangular pit about 5m deep with vertical sides, with several ledges on the western side. It was probably built as a storage pit and was subsequently backfilled with layers of dark soil, chalk, flints, mortar, and other building rubble. Quantities of New Forest pottery including parchment ware were found in the bottom of the pit, suggesting it was filled in c. AD350. The building rubble within this pit may have come from the demolition of Building 3. Building 5 was built over the top of this pit.

Sources/Archives (2)

  • <1> Article in serial: Aitken, G and Aitken, N. 1982. 'Excavations on the Library Site, Colliton Park, Dorchester' Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society. 104. 101-102.
  • <2> Article in serial: Draper, J. 1983. 'Some further discussion of the Library Site, Colliton Park, Dorchester' Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society. 105. 158.

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (2)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Location

Grid reference Centred SY 68966 90756 (4m by 5m)
Map sheet SY69SE
Civil Parish Dorchester; Dorset
Unitary Authority Dorset

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Other Statuses/References

  • Legacy UID: Dorset Sites and Monuments Record: 1 041 776

Record last edited

Jun 30 2014 4:31PM

Comments and Feedback

Do you have any questions or more information about this record? Please feel free to comment below with your name and email address. All comments are submitted to the website maintainers for moderation, and we aim to respond/publish as soon as possible. Comments, questions and answers that may be helpful to other users will be retained and displayed along with the name you supply. The email address you supply will never be displayed or shared.