Monument record MDO18658 - Library Site, Colliton Park, Dorchester; Roman Building 4

A post-built building was found aligned E-W across the line of Road 1 in the west part of the excavations on the site of the new Dorset County Library, Colliton Park, Dorchester in 1961-63. Building 4 was constructed over the west wall of Building 3, over the infilled linear feature and the deposits covering Road 1. The north and south walls are marked by lines of substantial postholes, but the east and west walls are less clear. No internal divisions have been recognised and the excavators suggest an area of cobbling outside the north end of the presumed line of the east wall indicates the presence of an entrance in this area. The date of this building is unclear, but it is later than the infill over Road 1 and the linear feature, which contain late 3rd century finds. The relationship between Buildings 4 and 5 is uncertain and the final date of abandonment of Building 4 is unclear.

A post-built building was found aligned E-W across the line of Road 1 in the west part of the excavations on the site of the new Dorset County Library, Colliton Park, Dorchester in 1961-63 (1) (2). Building 4 was constructed over the west wall of Building 3, over the infilled linear feature and the deposits covering Road 1. The north and south walls are marked by lines of substantial postholes, but the east and west walls are less clear. No internal divisions have been recognised and the excavators suggest an area of cobbling outside the north end of the presumed line of the east wall indicates the presence of an entrance in this area. The date of this building is unclear; it is later than the infill over Road 1 and the linear feature, which contain mid-3rd century finds, so a later 3rd century date is likely for its construction. The relationship between Buildings 4 and 5 is uncertain and the final date of abandonment of Building 4 is unclear.

<1> Aitken, G, and Aitken, N, 1982, 'Excavations on the Library Site, Colliton Park, Dorchester' Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 104-105 (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.

Record last edited

Aug 22 2024 7:30PM