SDO9727 - Some Observations on the Line of the Roman Town Ditch, Dorchester.

Note on observations made during the excavation of a gas pipe trench dug in 1955 along the north verge of High West Street and crossing the top of the Grove just clear of the present roundabout at the top of the junction, then turning south by the pavement in front of Top O Town House to skirt the corner and proceed up the edge of the Bridport Road. No evidence for the Roman town's west gate was observed, although evidence for two parallel ditches running N-S, one 30ft wide, the other 10ft wide, separated by a 15ft wide ridge of chalk. Only the uppermost part of their dark fills was observed and they must be the outer ditches of the Roman town defences. An opportunity occurred in 1962 for some partial observation of the profile of the natural chalk some 50 yards further north when a row of cottages, fronting upon the west side of the Grove and with gardens behind backing on the Car Park, was demolished, and a petrol filling station built in the centre of the old Frontage. However, after levelling of the area, the sections failed to show any evidence for the Roman town defensive ditches.