As detailed in our Cookie Policy, like most sites Strolling Guides uses cookies to enhance your experience, and to share information about how you use our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. Unless you disable cookies in your browser, using this website means you consent to this.

Dorset Antiquities

From hill forts to castles, Dorset has no shortage of history.

Poundbury Camp and the Roman Aquaduct

Location

Dorset Map

OS Ref: SY 681 911

Last Visited: 2014

Poundbury Camp

Poundbury Camp

The name Poundbury these days is most closely associated with Prince Charles's themed housing development on the outskirts of Dorchester. This derives its name from a middle Bronze Age rectangular enclosure which became a hill fort in the Iron Age.

The Roman Aquaduct

The Roman Aquaduct

Standing on the walls of old Poundbury I was amused to see the new one framed by a large arch inscribed, "Then I saw a new Heaven and a new Earth". Stretching things a bit, I though.

The northern and eastern sides of the fort were damaged when the Romans built an aqueduct to bring fresh water to their settlement at Durnovaria, modern day Dorchester. The remains of this aqueduct are unimpressive but make a pleasant level walk, until you get to the A37 that is.

To add a comment on this place or contents of this section, click here.

Jordan Hill Roman Temple

Location

Dorset Map

OS Ref: SY 699 820

Last Visited: 2014

Jordan Hill Roman Temple

Jordan Hill Roman Temple

It has to be said that as Romano-British remains go Jordan Hill Roman Temple lacks impact.

Just one corner of the foundations of the small rectangular sanctuary building are exposed; the rest is outlined in gravel.

Jordan Hill Roman Temple

Jordan Hill Roman Temple

The century would have originally been surrounded by a portico. The bases of four of the portico columns were located during the excavations in the 19th century and in 1931, but these are not delineated on the ground.

It was probably built during the 4th century AD, and is worth visiting for the fine views out to sea and inland towards the Osmington White Horse.

External Links and References

  • External Links

    • Jordan Hill Roman Temple
      English Heritage Handbook Entry
      http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/jordan-hill-roman-temple/

To add a comment on this place or contents of this section, click here.

Pamphill Moot

Location

Dorset Map

OS Ref: ST 989 002

Last Visited: 2008

Moot

Moot

It requires a vivid imagination to picture the roughly square enclosure, surrounded on three sides by low banks, on the side of the hill above the Court House in Cowgrove as anything more that an natural formation.

Pamphill Moot Map

However, as the nearby information board explains, this is the site of a Saxon medieval moot.

The manor court met here once a fortnight and the offences and disputes of the tenants were tried and punished.

It is accessible via the footpath from Pamphill Green to Cowgrove and clearly sign-posted off this track. There is no direct access from Cowgrove Road

Comments

To add a comment on this place or contents of this section, click here.

Mary Millett

I was most disappointed today to find the signpost and information boards gone. Nobody would ever know about this interesting place if they hadn’t been before. Local history is important. Please replace them.