EDO4371 - Hawthorn Lodge, Dorchester; salvage recording 1965

An inhumation burial, probably Romano-British, was found in May 1965 at Hawthorn Lodge (Cheshire Homes) between Bridport Road and Mountain Ash Road (SY68509062). Similar burials have been found in the vicinity (PDNHAS, 85, 100). Workmen digging a rain-water soakaway 17 ft. E of the southern edge of the east bay window of the lodge had broken up the cranium and upper part of the spine, and the lower jaw was not accounted for. One small sherd of black ware, Probably Romano-British, was found in the soil close to the skeleton. The body was extended E-W, with head west and hands over the pelvic area, in a 2ft. Wide grave cut into the solid chalk to a depth of 19 ins. The topsoil, about 2ft. Deep over the chalk, contained scraps of green glazed and modern wares and glass, and bits of scallop shells. All the remaining bones were removed by Mr. Dewar except the shin and foot bones, and he estimates the height of the individual, on Rollet's formula, as about 4ft. 9.5 ins. If male, or 4ft. 10.5 ins if female.