Work has been progressing on the Roman Town House in Dorchester, with a £248,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Dorset Council officers and archaeologists from Context One Heritage & Archaeology are working on the construction of a new easy-access route to the Town House, with a new ramp access leading up from the entrance. The archaeologists have also re-opened the former entrance to the site that had been blocked up since County Hall was built in the 1930s. A new pathway will connect existing pathways at the site.
Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, Councillor Ray Bryan said: “The Town House is a fine example of Roman archaeology and I am pleased the contractors and our own team have been able to continue these meticulous improvement works during lockdown.
“We’re looking forward to the completion of the work and the time when young and old can visit the site to gain a fascinating insight into the history of Roman Britain”.
Multi-tiered stone-effect amphitheatre style seating to accommodate different abilities will be installed for visitors, school groups and theatre productions.
In future weeks, work will start on the inside of the house to make it safe for visitors to access the house and to clean the ancient mosaics. The Roman coffins that are not originally part of the Roman Town House site will be moved to the top of the site using the expertise of Kellands conservators.
