Monument record MDO18174 - Burials, 7 Orchard Street, Dorchester

At least two, probably three inhumation burials were partially disturbed during the construction of a rear extension to 7 Orchard Street, Dorchester. The burials were apparently aligned N-S and were probably part of the cemetery of the Franciscan Friary. No dating evidence was recovered.

In July 1980, apparently three human skulls were found during the excavation of footings for a new extension to the rear of 7 Orchard Street, Dorchester. The burials were not examined archaeologically as the footings trench had been filled with concrete before Dorset County Museum was informed. The workmen claimed that three skulls had been found, although only small portions of two survived. According to the workmen's description, the burials were aligned N-S with their heads to the north. The burials seem to have been 1.2-1.5m below the present ground surface and were in chalk-cut graves. No dating evidence was recovered.

The surviving bone was examined and described and the remains of two individuals were represented - one adult male and one individual aged about 17 years old (1).

The location of these burials suggests that they are in, or very close to, the area north of a parcel of land given to the Friary by John Croker in 1510,which was annexed to the south side of the cemetery (1). Thus these burials are likely to be in the Friary Cemetery.

Draper, J, 1980, Human Bones from 7 Orchard Street, Dorchester (Unpublished document). SDO9686.

<1> Draper, J, 1980, Burials from 7 Orchard Street, Dorchester (Article in serial). SDO9685.

Record last edited

Aug 22 2024 7:27PM