Prehistory and Romano-British Dorchester, Dorset

dorchester s roots stem prehistoric times. earliest settlements 2 miles (3.2 km) southwest of modern town centre in vicinity of maiden castle, large iron age hill fort 1 of powerful settlements in pre-roman britain. different tribes lived there 4000 bc. durotriges have been there when romans arrived in britain in 43 ad.

the romans defeated local tribes 70 ad , established garrison became town romans named durnovaria, brythonic name incorporating durn, fist , loosely interpreted place fist-sized pebbles . appears have taken part of name local durotriges tribe inhabited area. durnovaria recorded in 4th-century antonine itinerary , became market centre surrounding countryside, important road junction , staging post, , subsequently 1 of twin capitals of celtic durotriges tribe. remains of roman walls surrounded town can still seen. majority have been replaced pathways form square inside modern dorchester known walks . small segment of original wall remains near top o town roundabout.

part of roman town house near county hall, showing underfloor heating system

other roman remains include part of town walls , foundations of town house near county hall. modern building works within walls have unearthed roman finds; in 1936 cache of 22,000 3rd-century roman coins discovered in south street. other roman finds include silver , copper coins known dorn pennies, gold ring, bronze figure of roman god mercury , large areas of tessellated pavement.

the county museum contains many roman artefacts. romans built aqueduct supply town water. rediscovered in 1900 remains of channel cut chalk , contouring round hills. source believed river frome @ notton, 12 miles (19 km) upstream dorchester. near town centre maumbury rings, ancient british henge earthwork converted romans use amphitheatre, , north west poundbury hill, pre-roman fortification.

little evidence exists suggest continued occupation after withdrawal of roman administration britain. name durnovaria survived old welsh durngueir, recorded asser in 9th century. area remained in british hands until mid-7th century , there continuity of use of roman cemetery @ nearby poundbury. dorchester has been suggested centre of sub-kingdom of dumnonia or other regional power base.