Monument record MDO18653 - Library Site, Colliton Park, Dorchester; Early Roman pits

A large pit and several smaller pits were found in the east part of the excavations on the site of the new Dorset County Library, Colliton Park, Dorchester in 1961-63. All of these pits were sealed beneath Building 1.The largest pit was about six metres across and one metre deep with vertical sides and a flat bottom. The other two pits were smaller. They were filled with large quantities of wall plaster (some painted) and quantities of 1st century pottery, coins and brooches, which suggest they were filled in c. AD120. The function of the large pit is unclear, it may be a quarry pit, but it appears too regular. A similar pit of a similar date was also found at Merchant's Garage immediately to the south.The other two pits are more typical rubbish pits. The fills of these pits suggest the presence of 1st century buildings in the vicinity.

A large pit and several smaller pits were found in the east part of the excavations on the site of the new Dorset County Library, Colliton Park, Dorchester in 1961-63 (1). All of these pits were sealed beneath Building 1.The largest pit was about six metres across and one metre deep with vertical sides and a flat bottom. The other two pits were smaller. They were filled with large quantities of wall plaster (some painted) and quantities of 1st century pottery, coins and brooches. The function of the large pit is unclear, it may be a quarry pit, but it appears too regular. A similar pit of a similar date was also found at Merchant's Garage immediately to the south (3).The other two pits are more typical rubbish pits. The finds within them suggest they were filled in c. AD120 (2).

The fills of these pits suggest the presence of 1st century buildings in the vicinity. No trace was found on the site of buildings of this date.

<1> Aitken, G, and Aitken, N, 1982, 'Excavations on the Library Site, Colliton Park, Dorchester' Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 99-100 (Article in serial). SDO9729.

<2> Draper, J, 1983, 'Some further discussion of the Library Site, Colliton Park, Dorchester' Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 158 (Article in serial). SDO10071.

<3> Bellamy, P S, 1991, Observations at Merchant’s Garage, High West Street, Dorchester, 1983. Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 41-53 (Article in serial). SDO9677.

Record last edited

Aug 22 2024 7:30PM