Monument record MDO18802 - Merchant's Garage, High West Street, Dorchester; Late Roman hearth 238

An isolated Late Roman hearth was found uring observations and recording at the site of the former Merchant’s Garage, High East Street, Dorchester in 1983. This clay, tile and limestone hearth was sub-rectangular in shape and was constructed over the end of a shallow linear feature of late 2nd-3rd century AD date. No associated structure was recognised in the area surrounding the hearth.

An isolated Late Roman hearth was found during observations and recording at the site of the former Merchant’s Garage, High East Street, Dorchester in 1983 (1) (2). This hearth was sub-rectangular 0.7m by 1.0m across and constructed from tile and limestone set in clay, which was heavily burnt. This hearth was built over the end of a shallow linear feature, which contained a mould fragment and late 2nd-3rd century AD pottery. It is not clear whether the hearth was associated with this linear feature in any way. No trace of any structure was found in the area surrounding the hearth. A single possible square posthole cut the SE corner of the hearth, but was later in date. The precise date and function of this feature is not known

National Monuments Record, NMR Monument Record, SY 69 SE 385 (Index). SDO9937.

<1> Bellamy, P S, 1991, Observations at Merchant’s Garage, High West Street, Dorchester, 1983. Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 41-54 (Article in serial). SDO9677.

<2> Bellamy, P S, 1983, Merchant's Garage, High West Street, Dorchester (Excavation archive). SDO10188.

Record last edited

Aug 22 2024 7:31PM