A rectangular enclosure of c.4.01 hectares butts onto the west side of the Fosse Way in agricultural land at Dorn near Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire. The enclosure is surrounded by a massive bank and ditch system; the bank being almost uniformly c.30.48m wide, while the outer ditch varied greatly between c.45.72m and c.60.96m in width. On aerial photographs of the defences on the northern side of the enclosure, a wall is visible running along the berm between the ditch to the north and the bank of the rampart to the south. Also visible is a rectilinear pattern of lanes adjoining the Fosse Way at right angles.

First century Flavian samian-ware has been found during excavations within the enclosure, along with other pottery ranging into the fourth century. Several coins ranging from Hadrian to Honorius have been unearthed during ploughing. Undated Roman pottery has also been found in the fields to the south and west of the enclosed settlement site.

The only inscription listed in the R.I.B. for the area is a relief found at Lemington nearby.

RIB 125 - Dedication to the Queen Goddess

The queen goddess.

DEA REGINA

In Britain Regina is added to Diana (RIB 2122) at Newstead, and to Salus at Caerleon (RIB 324). Elsewhere it occurs frequently with Isis and Juno, or in conjunction with Jupiter and other deities.

References for Dorn

  • Roadside Settlements of Lowland Roman Britain by Roger Finch Smith (B.A.R. British Series #157, 1987) pp.289/290;
  • The Roman Inscriptions of Britain by R.G. Collingwood and R.P. Wright (Oxford 1965). 

Map References for Dorn

NGRef: SP2033 OSMap: LR151

Roman Roads near Dorn

Fosse Way: SSW (8) to Bovrton (Gloucestershire) Fosse Way: NNE (10) to Ettington

Sites near Dorn