Monument record MDO18841 - Borough Gardens, Dorchester; site of possible header tank for the Roman aqueduct

During works laying out the Borough Gardens in 1910, workmen apparently came across a depression lined with puddled clay, which has been proposed as being the remains of header tanks for the Roman aqueduct. However, it is unclear precisely what was observed in 1910 and nothing was visible on the ground in 1954 (2). The area is on the line of the Roman defences, with the remains of the counterscarp bank bounding the western side of this area and the outer ditches crossing the remaining part. It seems unlikely that the tank would be constructed in this position. It is possible that the clay fill of the ditches and the slope of the tail of the counterscarp bank was mis-interpreted as a clay-lined tank.

During works laying out the Borough Gardens in 1910, workmen came upon a depression lined with puddled clay. This may represent the storage tanks for the Dorchester Roman aqueduct. <1>

(SY68919051). I spoke to a man who saw the depression. It is about the tennis court in the north part of the Borough gardens where it would be correctly situated for a water head. <2.1>

The land is still covered by tennis courts and ornamental gardens. No trace of antiquity was found and there were no surface finds. <3>

It is unclear precisely what was observed in 1910 and nothing was visible on the ground in 1954. The area is on the line of the Roman defences, with the remains of the counterscarp bank bounding the western side of this area and the outer ditches crossing the remaining part. It seems unlikely that the tank would be constructed in this position. It is possible that the clay fill of the ditches and the slope of the tail of the counterscarp bank was mis-interpreted as a clay-lined tank.

<1> Richardson, K M, 1940, Excavations at Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset, 1939. Antiquaries Journal, 439 (Article in serial). SDO9650.

<2> Rigg, J, Field Investigators Comments JR, F1 JR 21-Aug-1954 (Unpublished document). SWX1255.

<2.1> Drew, Lt-Col C D, Oral information, correspondence (not archived) or staff comments: (Lt Col C D Drew. Curator, Dorset County Museum, Dorchester), 21-Aug-1954 (Verbal communication). SWX2099.

<3> Rigg, J, Field Investigators Comments JR, F2 JR 21-Aug-1954 (Unpublished document). SWX1255.

<4> National Record of the Historic Environment, 1430831 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Aug 22 2024 7:32PM