Monument record MDO5455 - Iron Age to Roman settlement at East End Ballast Pit, Corfe Mullen

A settlement occupied from the late Iron Age to late Roman. Pits and possible hut sites were observed during mineral extraction between 1927 and 1945. Finds included a pottery kiln, evidence of smelting, and a Roman donkey mill, the latter interpreted as evidence of industrial activity on a large scale, possibly associated with the military.

A settlement possibly established in the late Iron Age and surviving at least to the mid fourth century is indicated by storage and rubbish pits and possible hut sites observed between 1927 and 1945. A pottery kiln excavated in 1932, ascribed to around AD 50-60 with contemporary pits and ditches. Iron slag suggested smelting. Milling on a commercial or military scale is suggested by a piece of a Neidermendig lava donkey-mill. A settlement at SY 992 983, possibly established in Iron Age 'B' or 'C' and surviving at least to the mid 4th century, is indicated by storage and rubbish pits, alleged hut sites, a 1st century pottery kiln, and possibly another of the late Roman period. Early pottery from the site included Hengistbury class 'B', amphorae and S Gaulish Samian, whilst the latest known occupation yielded metallic-lustred New Forest ware. Similar finds, and a coin of Caligula, came from the area of the 1st century kiln and its associated pits and ditches, whilst kiln wares included ring-neck flagons, mortaria and romanized Durotrigian cooking-pots. Six vessels found in 1929 were probably rejects from a late 3rd cent or 4th cent kiln. Iron slag suggested smelting; and milling on a commercial or military scale is implied by part of the upper stone of a donkey-mill of Pompeiian type. <1-4>

Record last edited

Jan 5 2022 4:09PM