Monument record MDO18893 - The Grove, Dorchester; town defences

Parts of the two outer ditches of the Roman town defences on the west side of Dorchester were revealed by excavation in 1972. Up to three phases of ditch were recognised, the earliest phase contained 2nd-3rd century AD pottery, the next contained 3rd-4th century pottery. The final phase produced 14th-15th century pottery. The upper levels of both ditches were destroyed by 19th century disturbance.

Excavation on behalf of the Dorchester Excavation Committee in 1972 revealed parts of the two outer ditches of the Roman town defences on the west side of Dorchester. The larger outer ditch had evidence for three phases: the first phase was an early V-shaped ditch, later recut into a wider ditch producing 3rd-4th century pottery. The final phase produced 14th-15th century pottery. The second ditch was smaller with two phases evident; an early phase producing 2nd-3rd century pottery and a later undated phase. The upper levels of both ditches were destroyed by 19th century disturbance. <1>

The two outer ditches were further recorded by Terrain Archaeology in 2012 during levelling for an extension to the car park at Physiques and Shapes Health Club. The outer ditch was shown to be 9.8m wide at this point, and evidence of two phases was observed. A full profile was not obtained, the lower parts of the fill being left in situ. No dating evidence was recovered but the ditch appeared to have silted up gradually in the medieval and post-medieval periods. A small part of the middle ditch was seen, evidently truncated by post-medieval activity. <2>

Bellamy, P, 2003, Physiques and Shapes Health Club, The Grove, Dorchester, Dorset (Unpublished document). SDO9399.

<1> Startin, D W A , Smith, K , and Green, C J S, 1972, Excavations for the Dorchester Excavation Committee, Interim report, 1972, 80 (Article in serial). SDO9635.

<2> Trevarthen, M, 2012, Land at Christchurch Court, The Grove, Dorchester, Dorset. Observations and Recording during construction of New Car Park (Unpublished document). SDO15626.

Record last edited

Aug 22 2024 7:33PM