Monument record MWX394 - Tessellated pavement, Portland

Pieces of evident Roman pottery, part of a tessellated pavement, and some personal ornaments, have from time to time been found in different parts of Portland. I am sorry to be able to do little more than mention these, as, although there is good evidence of these things having been found, through want of appreciation they have gradually become lost. (1)

When I took over this museum there was a piece of grey substance about 1/8 thick attached to a portion of three-ply-wood. It had a design scratched on it and it was labelled TESSELLATED PAVEMENT. The exhibit was accidentally destroyed. It may have been wall plaster. (2)

No further information was obtained on the alleged tessellated pavement. If such a pavement had been found it would almost certainly have been recorded and the information obtained during field recording. (3)

<1> 1872, Journal of the British Archaeological Association Vol 28 Clifton, p32 (Article in serial). SWX1995.

<2> Rigg, J, Field Investigators Comments JR, F1 JR 02-JUN-55 (Unpublished document). SWX1255.

<2.1> Lidbetter, 1955, Oral: Mr Lidbetter Caretaker Portland Museum 2.6.55 (Verbal communication). SWX8243.

<3> Rigg, J, Field Investigators Comments JR, F2 JR 08-JUN-55 (Unpublished document). SWX1255.

<4> National Record of the Historic Environment, 451746 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

May 17 2024 11:36AM