EDO4301 - Old Market Car Park, Dorchester; Evaluation Trench A

IIn February 1985 a series of trial excavations were undertaken by the Central Excavation Unit in advance of works associated with the new road layout in Charles Street and Acland Road. Four trial holes were dug within the area of the Old Market Car Park, a fifth being dug in South Walks. Trenches A-D were on the line of the re-aligned Acland Road; Trench E was associated with the creation of a turning area in the southern end of Charles Street. The depth of the trenches was constrained to the depth of disturbance caused by the road construction Trench A was dug in the south-facing slope between Longman's Road (now the southern edge of the car park) and the footpath on South Walks. This slope appears to have been created in the 18th century but is though to reflect the underlying Roman defences. The excavation revealed that the majority of the slope is 18th century build up, although wash from the front of the Roman rampart was also identified. Deeper excavation was not possible but the Roman rampart does appear to underlie the South Walks although it has been truncated by the construction of Longmans Road.