SDO9507 - Land Behind Little Keep, Dorchester, Dorset, Archaeological Desk Based Assessment

Terrain Archaeology undertook an archaeological desk-based assessment of a parcel of land behind Little Keep, Dorchester, proposed for redevelopment. The site lies just outside the western edge of the Roman town of Dorchester, adjacent to the course of a Roman Road. During the medieval and post-medieval period it was part of the open fields of Fordington parish. In the second half of the 19th century, the site was developed as a military barracks, initially for the Dorset Militia, then later incorporated into the Depot Barracks. A number of major archaeological discoveries have been made on the site and in the near vicinity. The potential archaeology on the site is likely to comprise Roman burials and part of the Roman aqueduct, as well as the remains of the 19th century barracks. The potential archaeological resource is likely to be well preserved in the north and NE side of the site, but may have been disturbed on the western side. An archaeological excavation of the area of proposed underground parking, together with a watching brief over the remainder of the site was recommended.