Monument record MWX3241 - Romano-British cccupation site, Redlands Sports Ground, Weymouth

Substantial Romano-British occupation site revealed through trial trenches and geophysical survey.

Construction of Dorchester to Weymouth rail link, opened 1857, likely to have disturbed site. Romano-British pottery, a Roman coin, building material, burnt material, bone, worked stone and possible floor revealed during construction of drainage scheme in 1978. Site within 400m of supposed course of Roman road from Dorchester and 1km north-north-east of Romano-British settlement at Spa Hill. (1) Trial trench evaluation revealed remains of at least one stone built building, cut features, occupation and demolition deposits, a stone-lined drain and infant inhumation adjacent to probable building. Industrial activities suggested by flint lathe tools, indicative of the working of Kimmeridge shale on the site, and iron slag suggesting iron working. Pottery evidence suggests date of 1st or 2nd century AD, no evidence for later or earlier occupation. Site extended across full width of area, truncated on the east by railway cutting. Northern part of area contained no archaeological deposits although this may be an open area within a settlement. (2) Several 'cut', linear features identified by gradiometer survey confirming presence of a significant Romano-British occupation site identified by trial trench evaluation by AC Archaeology. Linears crossing southern part of survey area: strong linear anomaly aligned NNE-SSW crossing south-eastern angle of survey area extending 20m and ending abruptly; linear aligned NE-SW (AC Archaeology F.105 & F. 606 ); reasonably substantial linear aligned NNE-SSW close to south-western angle of survey area (AC Archaeology F. 501 & 502); weak linear running from south-east angle of survey area (AC Archaeology F. 403). Northern part of site much less active magnetically. (3) SY 672823. Building rubble including burnt stone, tile and plaster fragments, fragmentary remains of a metalled surface and some Romano British pottery including Samian, were found by A Boulder and B Squibbduring excavation of drainage trenches at Redlands in 1979. A sestertius of Tragan, also found, was retained by the foreman, the remainder of the finds being held by A Boulter pending transfer to an appropriate museum. Notes are deposited in Dorset County Museum. <4>

Record last edited

Jun 26 2024 1:54PM