Monument record MDO18887 - Dorchester Prison; Early Roman pits

Please read our .

Summary

Roman remains were found when trial trenches were excavated over the western area of Dorchester Prison in 1975. Three large and enigmatic mid C1st beam slots were found, one of which was cut by one of three basically turf-filled pits of 90-100 CE. Post-holes of Roman date were found over the area suggesting timber buildings, but their precise dating and form is not clear. In other areas a spread of building rubble of circa 175 CE sealed a stripped and level chalk surface. A late 1st century pit and another which may have been Roman, were recorded in 1978 when a machine-dug contractors trench was observed.

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

Sources/Archives (2)

  • <1> Monograph: Draper, J and Chaplin, C. 1982. Dorchester Excavations Volume 1: Excavations at Wadham House 1968; Dorchester Prison 1970, 1975 and 1978; and Glyde Path Road 1966. 61-76.
  • <2> Digital archive: National Record of the Historic Environment. 1410307.

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (3)

Location

Grid reference Centred SY 69128 90909 (2m by 4m) (3 map features)
Map sheet SY69SE
Civil Parish Dorchester; Dorset
Unitary Authority Dorset

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Other Statuses/References

  • Legacy UID: National Monuments Record: SY 69 SE 309
  • Legacy UID: National Record of the Historic Environment: 1410307

Record last edited

Apr 6 2023 7:20AM

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.