Monument record MDO2317 - Roman mosaic pavement, Rampisham

A Roman pavement in nearly perfect condition is said to have been found in 1799 in a field about a mile north north west of the parish church. It was subsequently broken up by treasure-seekers. In his 'History of Dorset' the antiquarian John Hutchins reported that the exposed area was about 14 feet by 10 feet, and was a floral and striped design enclosed in a broad border.

[ST 55760362] Roman tesselated pavement found A.D. 1799 [NAT] (1) "Found in 1799 in a nearly perfect state. It was subsequently broken up by treasure-seekers. acc. to Hutchins (a) it was about 14' x 10' and composed of tesserae about 2" square. There were no remains of walls" Design floral & geometric. (2-3) The site is crossed by a modern field bank, and the field on each side is under grass. On the N side of the bank there is an irregular rectangular mound, 0.2 m. high. This mound is approximately 10.0 m. N-S., and 6.0 m. E-W. No surface finds were made. (4) An area of permanent pasture. No change; the unsurveyable rise on the north side of the hedge may indicate the 18th century area of dumped soil. There is however no reason to deny the O.S. published siting which is probably based on early but authoritative information. (5) Some plain tesserae were found on the site in the 1930's. (6) No change. (7) DO 25 Listed as the possible site of a Roman villa. (8)

Record last edited

Mar 22 2022 1:40PM