Record Details

Summary

Wooden piles have been recovered from the river bed at Rossington. These are thought to represent the remains of a Roman bridge associated with the Roman settlement at Rossington, or possibly the remains of a medieval dam.

Monument Type(s):

• BRIDGE? (Roman - 43 AD? to 409 AD)
• DAM? (Medieval - 1066 AD? to 1539 AD?)

Associated Finds:

Protected Status:

• Scheduled Monument () 1004787: Roman Potteries 270m N Rossington Bridge

Full Description

<1> A system of wooden piles has been uncovered in the old bed of the River Torn at Rossington Bridge. The discovery was made during the laying out of a water pipe-drain. They were encountered on approaching the river banks, and one set had to be removed to accommodate an inspection chamber. Subsequent investigation revealed more sets deeply embedded in the river bed; partial excavation has revealed a depth exceeding four feet. They are undoubtedly part of a substantial bridge structure of a least pre-drainage date (c. 17th century). I believe them to be medieval, and possibly Roman.

The piles appear to be arranged in groups of four or five. Seven groups are exposed in parts of two rows that are oblique to the present river course. The distance between groups is approximately 1.6m and between rows 2.5m

If a bridge existed at this point, it would be upon the presumed line of the Roman Road and must add weight to the alignment.

Mr JR Lister states that during literary research into the identification of this feature, he has come across a reference of 1628, to a 'Childers Dam'. He is unable to recall the exact source of this reference, but is now of the opinion that the remains are probably those of this dam.

<2/3> System of wooden piles uncovered in old bed of R.Torne at Rossington Bridge. May be part of 'Childer's Dam' (ref. In 1628) or possibly Roman bridge. References: See OS card, Doncaster District Survey J, Magilton (1977) p.63.

<1> Various - Ordnance Survey, Various, OS Card (Unpublished document). SSY217.

<2> Magilton, J.R., 1977, The Doncaster District: An Archaeological Survey, p. 63 (Monograph). SSY96.

<3> Various - Ordnance Survey, Various, OS Card (Unpublished document). SSY217.

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