SDO9894 - Excavations at Dorchester Hospital (Site C), Dorchester, Dorset. Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society

Excavations and observations on this site revealed that the earliest occupation dates from the mid 1st century AD and consists of a small boundary ditch and several pits. In the late 1st-early 2nd century, a large quarry pit was dug. The corner of a stone-footed building (Building 2) and several pits, probably dating to the later 2nd-3rd century were encountered in the northern part of the site. There were traces of two further stone footed buildings, only one of which (Building 1) was within the area excavated. The building was divided internally into at least four rooms and contained six ovens, four of which could have been used simultaneously. Some of the ovens were obviously inserted into the building. This building probably dated to the later 3rd-4th century, and was probably used for industrial purposes. Late Roman occupation is demonstrated by a variety of pottery forms and fabrics, unusual quantities of the latest Roman coins, and two bronzes of the late 4th or early 5th century. Finds made just to the north of the site in the 1860s include a probable 7th century clasp – the first object of that date from inside the town.