Monument record MDO44507 - Romano-British settlement near Parnham, Beaminster

Surface finds of late Romano-British colour-coated ware discovered in 1955-6, in the field on the west side of the River Brit near the ice-house at Parnham House. Other finds of pottery, clinker and coal were made, and it has been suggested that this may be the site of a settlement.

(Centred ST 47370058) Romano-British pottery. Possible foundations. <1>

A Romano-British occupation site, with evidence of industrial activity, is suggested by discoveries 1/4 mile south of Beaminster.

J Stevens Cox reports surface finds made in 1955-6 in the field at ST 473006, on the west side of the River Brit near the Parnham ice-house, consisting of late Romano-British colour-coated ware, flints including a scraper, clinker and coal.

Obstructions were met with wherever the ground was probed to a depth of 8 to 12 inches. (For other evidence of Iron Age/Romano-British occupation in this area, see ST 40 SE 25, 27, 28, 29, 30). <2-3>

<1> Rec. 6 inch, J Stevens Cox 1955-6 (Map). SWX5293.

<2> Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 1963, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1962, 111 (Serial). SDO62.

'… (ii) Romano-British. Mr. Stevens Cox reports surface finds made in 1955-6 in the field (ST 473006) on the W. side of the R. Brit near the ice-house at Parnham House, consisting of late Romano-British colour-coated ware, flints including a scraper, clinker, coal, and obstructions met with wherever the ground was probed to a depth of 8 to 12 in. A samian sherd found higher up the re-entrant, in the field to the N., was recorded in Volume 81, p. 107. The site is on Bridport and Yeovil Sands of the Lower Jurassic.'

<3> Penn, K J, 1980, Historic Towns in Dorset (Monograph). SWX1202.

<4> National Record of the Historic Environment, 193033 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Oct 10 2022 3:38PM