SDO9640 - 'Interim Report on the Excavations in the Roman Cemetery, Poundbury, Dorchester, 1970' Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society

The fifth season of excavation in the late Roman cemetery at Poundbury lasted for 5 weeks and was confined to two sites, site B, on which work had commenced in 1969, and site C, a new area 200 yards due east of Poundbury Camp's east gate. Site D was also cleared down to the Roman level ready for next season's excavation. In site B 50 further burials were excavated and the excavation of mausoleum R8 was completed No further significant pieces of painted wall plaster were recovered, but 7 burials were identifed within. The bare chalk floor had been worn smooth by activity within the mausoleum. Further examination of the post-Roman structure PR2 suggested that it was actually a post-built rectangular structure and the beams slots were actually storm water drains. A possible post-Roman lime kiln was excavated immediately west of mausoleum R8. An area of 1,250 sq ft was cleared in site C, at the bottom of the combe that separates Poundbury Camp from the Roman Town of Durnovaria. Finds in this area indicated occupation from the Neolithic and Roman periods. Neolithic evidence included spreads of flint working debris and pottery sealing features which will be excavated in the following season, although a v-cut ditch was sectioned and contained four complete ox skulls. The Roman evidence comprised parts of three buldings which may have been used for light industry in the 3rd and 4th centuries. At a later date the cemetery encroached upon this area and 18 adult and 7 infant burials were excavated. An 8th-9th century AD bronze strap end was recovered from clearing site D, which appears to have a lower density of burial.