Monument record MDO7743 - Roman occupation and shale working site at Wilkswood, Langton Matravers

Iron Age and Romano-British settlement at Wilkswood with possible Purbeck Marble and shale industries. Roman pottery dates from the mid to late 1st century AD. Iron Age pottery present.

SY 99377941 Wilkswood. Occupation debris, probably connected with the Purbeck marble industry and possibly with shale-working, has been found on Upper Purbeck Beds below 200ft on the N slope of the limestone ridge. The remains, excavated at the E edge of a modern quarry in the Purbeck marble outcrop, consisted of debris apparently of a midden covering some 20 sq yds, with scattered material for perhaps 100 yds E. The bulk of the dateable sherds, including Samian, amphorae, colour-coated bowls and white flagons, as well as native wares, ranged from late to mid 1st century AD with few pieces of Iron Age `A' and late Roman ware. A sawn and polished piece of Purbeck marble, several worked and unworked fragments of shale, four turned armlets, and many flints including notched tools, suggest marble and shale-working, although characteristic armlet cores and lathe-tools are wanting. The site lies below remains of `Celtic' fields. <6>

Record last edited

Dec 8 2022 3:49PM