Monument record MDO29206 - Undated feature, 39 Prospect Road, Dorchester

A feature filled with greyish silty soil was observed in the footings trench for a new extension to the rear of 39 Prospect Road, Dorchester in September 1994. The full extent, form and date of this feature was not determined. (1)(2)

<1> Wallis, S, 1994, Archaeological Observation and Recording at 39 Prospect Road, Dorchester (Unpublished document). SDO10002.

Planning Application No. - 1/E/91/422
Proposed Works - Extension at rear of house.
Grid reference SY 6843 9075
The County Archaeological Officer recommended a condition requiring archaeological observation and recording during groundworks on this application because of the likely presence in the area of Roman burials. The DCC Archaeology Service offered to carry out the work. The condition was duly attached to the consent granted by West Dorset District Council.
I visited the iste on Friday 23 September 1994, after a telephone call from the applicant saying that the foundation trench had been excavated and was available for inspection. In fact, the excavation had occurred some time earlier.
The trench ran about 4m north-west from the present rear of the house, then turned at a right angle and ran north-east for about 2mn. Most of the trench was 1.4m deep. The trench had cut though a concrete surface, beneath which was a greyish silty soil. This soil overlay natural chalk, the surface of which was about 0.5m deep. There were also a number of 19th/20th century sewer pipes, again filled by the greyish silty soil, which cut deeply into the natural.
One feature may be worth noting. It ran parallel with the back of the house, about 4m from it (i.e. at the north-west end of the trench). Only the south side of the feature was within the present foundation trench. It was at least 1.9m deep (the applicant had dug a small test-hole into it). It was filled by the greyish silty soil, but there was no evidence of a sewer pipe.

<2> Wallis, S, 1994, Thirty-Nine, Prospect Road, Dorchester. Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society. (Article in serial). SDO9846.

Record last edited

Sep 18 2013 9:54AM