SDO9652 - The Old County Hospital Site, Dorchester: Assessment report on the results of the investigations with proposals for further analysis, publication and deposition of archive.

Archaeological excavations and subsequent watching brief were carried out by AC archaeology between 1999-2001, on the Old County Hospital site, Dorchester. Two areas of excavation (A/B and C) were investigated and the remainder of the site was subject to a watching brief. Area A/B was immediately north of Somerleigh Court and Area C was further north adjacent to the main old hospital building. This document assesses the archaeological potential of the site and proposes a programme of post-excavation. Area A/B revealed evidence for archaeological activity dating from the later prehistoric period onwards. The most extensive remains were dated to the Roman period and included evidence for a late 1st century AD timber building, a substantial stone-built townhouse of 2nd-3rd century AD date, and a series of late Roman demolition deposits. Area C revealed part of a N-S Roman street and an adjacent stone-footed building. After abandonment of the road, a substantial post-built structure was constructed. Large quantities of finds were recovered, including prehistoric worked flint, Roman pottery, including imports, metalwork, glass and painted plaster. This document contains summary assessment reports on the finds.