EDO3865 - Channon's Garage, High East Street, Dorchester; observations and recording 2001

Exeter Archaeology undertook a watching brief in November and December 2001 at Channon’s Garage during the removal of the existing concrete slab in the rear half of the former car showroom (Area A) and the slight reduction in levels in this area; to the rear of the garage courtyard (Area B); and to the west (Area C). The observations in Area A revealed an extensive spread of chalk rubble which had a number of pits cut through it. These were not excavated. The foundation trench for a new wall was hand-excavated by Exeter Archaeology across this area. This revealed a Roman soil. A stone wall footing had been constructed cutting into this layer. On either side of the wall was a series of chalk surfaces dating to the 3rd-4th centuries. These were sealed by a layer of painted wall plaster and demolition debris. The groundworks in areas B and C did not penetrate deep enough to reveal any archaeological stratigraphy.