Monument record MDO19412 - Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester; Early Roman yard

A possible early Roman yard or open area was found during excavations by Wessex Archaeology in advance of the redevelopment of the former Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester in 2000-2001. A fairly extensive open area was found associated with the early Roman timber structures G506, G507, and G533. A number of pits and possible postholes containing 1st-2nd century AD material were found dispersed across this area, including some cut through the slots of building G507. No boundaries were defined for this yard area, but it is likely that this open space formed part of a large enclosure, within which a number of small timber buildings were constructed. This is analagous to the early Roman phase at Greyhound Yard, where it has been suggested that the enclosures were used for penning stock.

A possible early Roman yard or open area was found during excavations by Wessex Archaeology in advance of the redevelopment of the former Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester in 2000-2001 (1).

A fairly extensive open area was found associated with the early Roman timber structures G506, G507, and G533. A number of pits and possible postholes containing 1st-2nd century AD material were found dispersed across this area, including some cut through the slots of building G507. No boundaries were defined for this yard area, but it is likely that this open space formed part of a large enclosure, within which a number of small timber buildings were constructed. This is analagous to the early Roman phase at Greyhound Yard, where it has been suggested that the enclosures were used for penning stock (2).

<1> Trevarthen, M, 2006, Bentleigh Cross Limited Former County Hospital Site Dorchester, Dorset. Internal Post-excavation Assessment. (Unpublished document). SDO10014.

<2> Woodward, P J , Davies, S M , and Graham, A H, 1993, Excavations at the Old Methodist Chapel and Greyhound Yard, Dorchester, 1981-1984, 362 (Monograph). SDO9411.

Record last edited

Aug 22 2024 7:39PM