Extract from Dorset Proceedings Vol. 90 page 167

TWO ROMANO-BRITISH OCCUPATION SITES

AT

SWYRE AND BURTON BRADSTOCK

A Romano-British site at Oxclose, Swyre (SY 51658922)
In 1967 it was reported that a stone similar to those found marking a burial at Puncknoll Knoll (these Proceedings, Vol. 88, p.108) had been seen during autumn ploughing at the above point. Investigation showed that this was so, but the stone in question is much weathered by previous exposure. The hollow in the centre is comparable with that in one of the Knoll stones, and before weathering the Oxclose stone must also have been about the same size (20 ins, square and 9 ins, thick).
Further investigation showed a dense scatter of pottery and other evidence of occupation in the vicinity of the stone, extending over an area of about 50 yards square. The bulk of the sherds were essentially Durotrigian, but included samian and New Forest type ware. Before the field was resown limited excavation showed the Roman level to be virtually destroyed by the plough.

A Romano-British site at Sturthill, Burton Bradstock (SY 51459080)
During investigation into the site of the lost mediaeval village of Sturthill a fairly dense scatter of Romano-British pottery with some evidence of occupation was noted in the field immediately to the south of the site of the chapel. Here too, the Romano-British level has been ploughed out.

C. J. BAILEY

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