Monument record MDO6532 - Inhumation cemetery, North Common, Portland

A total of 20 skeletons were found around 1855 during reservoir construction and drain laying five years later revealed several cists containing skeletons, two iron ingots, two second century coins, a beaker and a disc brooch. A probable Roman cemetery.

During the making of the old reservoir in North Common about 1855, 20 skeletons in cramped or sitting posture were found. Drain laying about five years later uncovered several cists containing skeletons, and nails were found with one of the cists. Two iron ingots, two 2nd century coins, a handled bead-rimmed beaker and an enamelled disc-brooch were also recovered. <1>

<1> Royal Commission on Historical Monuments (England), 1970, An Inventory of Historical Monuments in the County of Dorset, Volume II (South East) Part 3, 605 (Monograph). SDO150.

<1.1> Royal Archaeological Institute, 1866, Archaeological Journal 23, p75 (Serial). SWX2111.

<1.2> Buckman, J, 1868, Ancient remains found on the Isle of Portland, 52-3, 56-7 (Article in serial). SWX1984.

<1.3> Damon, R, 1884, Geology of Weymouth, p240-2 (Monograph). SWX4489.

<1.4> C King Warry, 1908, Old Portland Traditions, p35 (Monograph). SWX4488.

<1.5> Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 1923, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Field Club for 1922-1923, 35-36 (Serial). SDO29.

<1.6> Oliver, V L, 1923, Pre-Roman and Roman Occupation of the Weymouth District. Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 35-6,38,46,48 (Article in serial). SWX1763.

<2> Royal Commission on Historic Monuments, Externally held archive: RCH01/093 RCHME Inventory: Dorset II (South-East) (Unpublished document). SDO17434.

<3> National Record of the Historic Environment, 451824 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Jun 12 2023 6:56AM