Monument record MDO18149 - Greyhound Yard, Roman enclosure 5519

A roughly square enclosure was identified in the SE corner of the central area of the Greyhound Yard insula (to the south of Enclosure 5541) during the 1984 excavations at Greyhound Yard. It was defined by lines of substantial postholes, suggesting it had a heavy wooden fence. No activity contemporary with this enclosure was recognised. It was not well dated but was probably 2nd to late 3rd century in date.

Found during the excavations carried out by Wessex Archaeology in 1984 prior to the redevelopment of the area of the former Greyhound Yard. (1) The results of the excavation were published together with the results of the adjacent Old Methodist Chapel excavations. (2) The numbers in square brackets below are context and feature numbers used in the published report (2).

A square enclosure with sides about 27m long in the SE corner of the central area of the insula, defined by lines of substantial postholes with stone packing. It lay immediately south of Enclosure 5541 and the eastern sides of both enclosures were on the same line. The postholes along the east side of 5519 appear to incorporate a step in the alignment (also reflected in the later Roman boundary wall and Building 5433). The postholes along the southern side suggest there was a slight shift in its alignment compared to the earlier Enclosure 5518, which 5519 replaced. The west side was defined by a straight alignment of substantial postholes. The northern side was less clear and was only defined by four postholes, which appear to represent the division between this enclosure and 5541 to the north.

No features were recognised that were definitely contemporary with this enclosure, though a number of postholes were found within it. It may have been an enclosed open yard. There was no secure dating evidence available for this enclosure. It was probably established during the 2nd century and was replaced by Enclosure 2500 in the mid-late 3rd century.

Trust for Wessex Archaeology, 1983, Dorchester, Durnovaria: Excavations in the town centre at Greyhound Yard, and the Old Methodist Chapel (1982-1984): Interim and introductory notes to the current excavations (Unpublished document). SDO9435.

Wessex Archaeology, 1984, Greyhound Yard, Dorchester excavation archive (Excavation archive). SDO9456.

<1> Woodward, P J , Davies, S M , and Graham, A H, 1984, Excavations at the Greyhound Yard Car Park, Dorchester, 1984, 99-106 (Article in serial). SDO9437.

<2> Woodward, P J , Davies, S M , and Graham, A H, 1993, Excavations at the Old Methodist Chapel and Greyhound Yard, Dorchester, 1981-1984, 53 (Monograph). SDO9411.

Record last edited

Aug 22 2024 7:27PM