Monument record MDO18886 - Early Roman timber building, Dorchester Prison

Roman remains were found when trial trenches were excavated over the western area of Dorchester Prison in 1975. Excavations located 3 large 1st century beam slots and later post-holes, but no discernible buildings.

Roman remains were found when trial trenches were excavated over the western area of Dorchester Prison in 1975. Three large and enigmatic mid C1st beam slots were found, one of which was cut by one of three basically turf-filled pits of 90-100 CE. Post-holes of Roman date were found over the area suggesting timber buildings, but their precise dating and form is not clear. In other areas a spread of building rubble of circa 175 CE sealed a stripped and level chalk surface. <1>

<1> Draper, J, and Chaplin, C, 1982, Dorchester Excavations Volume 1: Excavations at Wadham House 1968; Dorchester Prison 1970, 1975 and 1978; and Glyde Path Road 1966, 61-76 (Monograph). SDO9690.

<2> National Record of the Historic Environment, 1410307 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

<3> National Record of the Historic Environment, 1430931 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Aug 22 2024 7:33PM