Find Spot record MDO19216 - Roman Antefix found in soil from High East Street, Dorchester

An important Antefix was found at Muckleford in soil from High East Street, Dorchester. One of five from Dorchester in the Dorset Museum, all are from one mould and strongly suggest local manufacture. Early in date, this is the most complete example of the five, but lacks the original frame which was probably semicircular or rectangular with a gabled crest.

An important Antefix was found at Muckleford in soil from High East Street, Dorchester. One of five from Dorchester in the Dorset Museum, all are from one mould and strongly suggest local manufacture. Early in date, this is the most complete example of the five, but lacks the original frame which was probably semicircular or rectangular with a gabled crest.(1) It depicts a head in relief with straight forelocks and beard framing the face; wings, feathered below but with traces of the upper hair above, sprout from the centre of the forehead. The reverses show traces of attachment to imbrex tiles by luting. The style derives ultimately from the common classical terracotta antefix with Gorgon's mask or other mythological subject. (2)

In 1955, High East Street was dug up to a depth of 18 inches and the soil dumped to build up road verges in the area.(1)

<1> Royal Commission on Historical Monuments (England), 1970, An Inventory of Historical Monuments in the County of Dorset, Volume II (South East) Part 3, 538 (Monograph). SDO150.

<2> Ross, A, 1967, Pagan Celtic Britain (Monograph). SWX1553.

<3> National Record of the Historic Environment, 1410294 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Aug 22 2024 7:38PM