Monument record MDO18709 - A37 Western Link; Early Roman Grave 964

Evidence for an Early Roman grave was discovered during excavations along the route of the Dorchester By-pass, Western Link. Grave [964] was located within the southern part of Trench K, north west of structure [929]. It measured 1.10m long x 0.60m wide, 0.06m deep and was aligned N-S. There was no surviving skeleton, although the remains of a joint of cow were recovered from the grave.

Found during a programme of archaeological work conducted by Wessex Archaeology along the route of the Dorchester By-pass, Western Link, Fordington Bottom, Dorchester between 1986 and 1988. The results of the excavations have been published as a Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society Monograph; (DNHAS Monograph 11). The numbers in square brackets below refer to the context and feature numbers used in the published report (1). The cemetery continued in use into the 1st-2nd century during which time a further 11 burials were interred. Five of these were aligned on boundary [231] in Trench F, five added around structure [929] in Trench K, and an isolated burial in Trench G. All were in a crouched position, except grave [922] which lay on its right side with legs flexed. Three skeletons were probably buried in coffins. Hobnails were found at the feet or joints of meat were found in three graves. Grave [964] was located within the southern part of Trench K, north west of structure [929]. It measured 1.10m long x 0.60m wide, 0.06m deep and was aligned N-S. There was no surviving skeleton, although the remains of a joint of cow were recovered from the grave.

Record last edited

Jan 26 2007 4:51AM