SDO9807 - 'Antique Pavement' Dorset County Chronicle

"ANTIQUE PAVEMENT. - Considerable curiosity has been felt with regard to the recent discovery at Dorchester of an antique tessellated pavement. This interesting relic came to light during the laying of a drain on the south side of the new house belonging to Edward Pearce, Esq., between the County Hospital and the West Walks. The workmen came upon it at about two feet below the surface, and a paved area of fifteen feet by seven was eventually laid bare. This pavement consists of two portions, one running nearly east and west, and the other at right angles to it. These may have formed parts of two sides of an atrium, a portion of tessellated work perfectly plain appearing at the angle. The coloured portions at the sides are of geometrical design. The principal feature in one case is that of intersecting circles, and in the other of half circles, the design of half circles being arranged on a totally different plan, and contrasting strikingly with the other. The pattern, so far as form alone is concerned, is not an unusual one; it is similar to some found in Lincoln; and is said to resemble a pavement found at Abbott’s Ann, Hampshire, now in the British Museum. A noticeable point of the present specimen consists in the artistic skill with which the colouring is arranged, so as to create diversity in what would otherwise be uniform. The intersection of circles will always produce a series of oval-leaf shaped spaces. These are filled in with colours, the prevailing tone of which is alternately of brick red and blue lias. The full effect of such an alternation running over a considerable line must have been exceedingly good. The tesserae were laid on concrete, and it was especially interesting to us to notice that it corresponded exactly in colour with the mortar which had recently been mixed on the spot, Yellowham Hill gravel had no doubt been a component part of both. We have just been favoured with a sight of a photograph of the pavement. The photograph was taken from a platform about fifteen feet above the floor; and it reflects very great credit on our ingenious and now widely celebrated townsman, Mr. John Pouncy. This memorial having been secured, the pavement has been carefully and completely covered in for the present."