SDO9849 - Observations on the Dorchester Ring Main - Interim Note. Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society.

Observation, recording and excavation were carried out on the line of a major new water main for Dorchester. The pipeline was commissioned by Wessex Water who also funded the archaeological programme. The pipeline ran from the west of the town at Bradford Peverell, northwards towards the river Frome, terminating at Eagle Lodge on the east of the town, and also southwards from Bradford Peverell through Fordington Down terminating at Maiden Castle Road. Following the fencing of the pipeline an archaeological walk-over was conducted and visible earthworks noted. Once topsoil had been removed the easement was again walked, surface finds collected and the presence of subsoil features noted. Where concentrations of archaeological features were noted further detailed recording and excavation was undertake. Subsequently the pipe trenching was monitored and any exposed features recorded. The following list summarises the sites recorded: A possible Roman ditch at SY 63759050. The Dorchester Aqueducts (various locations): the main aqueduct and a smaller parallel ditch were recorded and examined in a number of locations in the dry valley to the west of Tilley Whim Lane. One section was excavated in advance of pipe trenching and revealed two phases of channel in the main aqueduct and evidence of several clay linings. A prehistoric field system to the east of Tilley Whim Lane at SY 663916: ditches and lynchets were recorded in an area where extensive features had been noted from AP's. The excavation of 2 negative lynchets produced LBA and EIA pottery. Prehistoric features on Fordington Down (SY 667911): pits, post-holes and ditches of later prehistoric date were record, in some instances sealed beneath an RB buried turf-line. Romano-British settlemement in Fordington Bottom (SY 666907): extensive remains were revealed through topsoil stripping and limited excavation along the pipe-line demonstrated seven phases of activity. Prehistoric colluvium was overlain by 3 phases of RB occupation. The 3rd-4th century phase included a substantial flint and mortar building. In the final phase a medieval ditch cut this building. Field system and Romano-British Pits at SY666906. Iron Age and Romano-British Settlement remains at Maiden Castle Farm (SY 6781989498): a complex of post-alignments and boundary/enclosure ditches (containing LIA/RB pottery) were revealed 90m north of Maiden Castle Road. Romano-British features at SY668925: a number of ditches and pits containing animal bone and pottery were recorded sealed beneath a layer of colluvium. Some of the pits were clay line and remains of a corn dryer were also recorded. Prehistoric worked flint scatters at SY6892291862 & SY693918. A medieval ditch at SY700916. Romano-British ditches at SY70529120.