SDO16065 - Excavations in Bowling Alley Walk in 1969 and 1970 on behalf of Dorchester Excavation Committee

This excavation was carried out over two summers in 1969 and 1970 and was to examine the defences of Roman Durnovaria and if possible determine how many phases were involved and establish approximate dates. Substantial remains were found of the Roman defences from which it was possible to distinguish two phases in the town defences, but there was no evidence of an earlier military rampart. Phase 1: a rampart of chalk constructed at a date well into the second century Phase 2: a rampart built higher and wider with presumably a stone front not many years later, but most likely into the third century. Evidence was also found of a chalk pit within the ramparts, possibly to supply more material for phase 2, and a Roman stone building built as close as possible to the back of Phase 2 rampart in the third century. No evidence of settlement in this area between the end of the Roman period and modern garden features.