More information : Dunmow is considered to be a small Roman urban centre at the crossing of Roman roads (RR 30, 32 and 300). No substantial building had been discovered (by 1963) but much Roman building material, pottery, coins etc have been found (1) (See TL 62 SW 9.1-7).
Excavations prior to development by Drury between 1968-72 covered 2-3 acres in area TL 626219. Conclusions were that the settlement area uncovered consisted of 1st-4th centuries linear development along Stane Street, on a prominent ridge above the crossing of the River Chelmer. No substantial buildings were found, the major discoveries being:
(i) A 1st century timber buildling 65m by 5.5m.
(ii) A 1st century cremation cemetery.
(iii) A 3rd century well, 7.0m deep.
(iv) An early 4th century two-roomed timber building, probably a shrine.
Occupation continuing into the sub-Roman and Saxon periods was evidenced by coin series, pottery and a 6th/7th century sunken hut. Little evidence of pre-settlement IA occupation was found (3). It seems likely that the Romano-British settlement extended for a 1/4 mile W of the Roman road intersection on both sides of Stane Street, and was probably of 'vicus' status, the lowest grade of self-governing settlement (2). (1-3)
Additional references. (4-6) |