Monument record MDO7483 - Romano-British settlement near Westhill Wood, Corfe Castle

A Romano-British settlement dating from the 3rd to 4th century with finds of pottery and coins and an associated shale working site.

Substantial Romano British occupation debris was discovered in 1959 by P A Brown on the crest of the ridge above Westhill Wood, near Hounstout Cliff, about 475 ft above sea level. (1) Ploughing revealed Samian ware, coarse pottery of the 1st or 2nd century to the 4th century, a bronze coin of Carausius identified as an imitation dateable to not before AD 293, some clay roof-tile fragments, chert and flint flakes, fragments of shale waste and two cores (one of Catkin's class A) from the turning of shale armlets. (2) A low mound about 2ft high and 75ft diameter at SY 95067783 was associated with much limestone debris and at SY 95067780 another concentration of stones was seen. Other concentrations may exist as the field was not all under the plough when visited. It does not seem likely that either of the concentrations are ploughed down barrows or cairns.. Remains of field lynchets exist in the area (3)

Record last edited

Dec 7 2022 4:44PM