Monument record MDO44596 - Roman burial in lead coffin, Great Down Quarry, Marnhull

In 1892 a lead coffin was found at Great Down Quarry. It contained a skeleton identified as that of a young man, and a shale spindle whorl. It is thought that the coffin may have been melted down during World War One. This burial is part of a larger inhumation cemetery.

Lead coffin found here. "Now lost I think, melted down in 1914-18 war". <3> At Great Down Quarry seven inhumations were found in 1871, while more than twice that number had been found in the previous year. All were found within an area of about 30 feet, from 1'6"-2' below the surface. The skeletons were placed E-W, in some cases, the heads of some skeletons were between the thigh bones of others. n many cases the heads were protected by two thin slabs of stone placed in a triangular position over them. Coins of Carausius, Allectus, Constantius ad Constans were found with Samian and other ware, fibulae, "bronze spear and arrow heads", part of a quern, and a small Roman drinking cup. Hutchins also noted that human remains had been found at Little Down when the quarries were first opened. This is centred on ST795202, and only a vague hollow is now visible there. <6> The finds made in and around this cemetery in 1870-1 with coins covering the period 286-350, suggests occupation contemporary with that at Allard's Quarry (ST71NE1). In 1892 a lead coffinwas also found. This contained the skeleton of a young man and was accompanied by a spindle whorl of Kimmeridge shale. <5> The quarry is disused and the majority of the area is under cultivated grass, although a short length of quarry face is exposed in the east. There were no surface finds of archaeological interest and no visible trace of antiquity. The site lies atop a low hill, and topographicaly is ideal for the normal Dorset type R-B settlement, although the finds indicate a more Roman type of habitation. <4> <6> <7>

Record last edited

Nov 4 2022 1:50PM