Scheduled MonumentsEnglandDorchester Roman walls

Dorchester Roman walls

England
List entry 1002449
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Dorchester Roman walls are a series of defensive fortifications enclosing the Roman town of Durnovaria, constructed in the late third century AD. The walls, built of flint and stone with a clay core, originally formed a substantial circuit around the settlement, portions of which remain visible today, particularly along the northern and eastern sections. These defences represent a significant phase in Romano-British urban development, reflecting the increasing need for military protection during the later Roman period. The preserved sections provide important evidence for Roman military architecture in Britain and the layout of one of the province's notable market and administrative centres.

Dorchester Roman walls is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1002449. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Dorchester Roman walls?

Dorchester Roman walls are a series of defensive fortifications enclosing the Roman town of Durnovaria, constructed in the late third century AD. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1002449.

Who is responsible for protecting Dorchester Roman walls?

Dorchester Roman walls is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1002449.

What other scheduled monuments are near Dorchester Roman walls?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Multi-period archaeological landscape centred on and including a slight univallate hillfort called Chalbury, two bowl barrows, part of a Bronze Age urnfield and a series of medieval strip fields (6.6 km), Preston Roman villa (7.8 km), Barrow 500yds (450m) E of village (8.1 km).

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