We decided to have an outing on what was forecast to be the last day of the wonderful Indian Summer we have been enjoying. We decided to go to Dorchester as Mr M is still not up for any long distance outings yet though making gradual progress I am glad to say.
This is County Hall in Dorchester - a modern building behind which lies a well kept secret which we wanted to see!
Underneath these glass walled structures lies a building over 2000 years old!
It is a
Roman Town House which was uncovered in 1937- along with several other Roman houses. The mosaics date back to 350 AD. Sadly the vending machine which would have supplied a booklet with more details on the site was out of order and the Tourist Information Office which would also sell the books was closed on Sundays! As was the Museum which should have more artifacts found on the site.
I thought the mosaics were fabulous and thought they would lend themselves to some sort of interpretation in cross stitch, knitting or some other craft - don't hold your breath for any inspiration which might result in some creative endeavour on my part though!
This one had green mould on it and looked in need of a good scrub!
This one was in a room which would have been a study or an office and was in excellent condition - maybe not much work got done to wear it out?!
Underfloor heating system to keep the Roman family's toes warm.
If you click on this you can read how the heating worked.
These are the remains of other buildings - I am guessing no mosaics were discovered in these as they were not covered as there was nothing to protect. I am no historian and found all those dates and battles etc really dull at school but I am fascinated by domestic history and like to imagine how the families would have lived in times gone by so this was a most interesting visit for me and next time I am in Dorchester I intend to get the book and to find out more about it all. I can't help wondering if County Hall will prove as interesting to our decendants in 2000 years time or whether it will be just a pile of rubble!
Now for something rather newer! This little cute little hand knitted bunny egg cosy along with the Union Jack egg cup was a giveaway prize which I received from
Annie at Knitsofacto earlier this week. (Annie has a lovely blog so do pop over and see her by clicking on the link.) Isn't it adorable? I can't wait to have a boiled egg now.
Thank you so much Annie - I love it!
Fabulous Roman mosaics Jane,I'm glad Mr M was up to a trip.
ReplyDeleteEgg for breakfast then.
Those Romans really were ahead of their time, that was a clever heating system!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful mosaics too.
Your boiled eggs will taste amazing in that cute egg cup and cover!
Vivienne x
I would love to go back in time and see what life was like as a Roman. Imagine seeing someone put all those fancy mosaics down. I wonder if the men or women or even the children did it? Fascinating post Jane. That was a cute little giveaway you won too!
ReplyDeleteThe Romans were way ahead ot their time and yet the reign came to an end. I loved the mosaics at Pompeii when we visited many years ago. I didn't know they had uncovered some in Dorchester! Love the giveaway prizes.
ReplyDeleteJune
I could feel a patchwork design coming on, just looking at those amazing floors.
ReplyDeleteIncredible! What a brilliant discovery, and how clever was that heating system.
ReplyDeleteLucky you with your giveaway prize, that bunny is so cute!
Wonderful mosaics. They really were such clever people weren't they? Sounds like an interesting day out.
ReplyDeleteGlad D is gradually getting better.
Cheers
Those mosaics are really interesting and well preserved, how was it discovered? I bet there could have been much more of these ruins underneath all the new buildings! Enjoy your eggs!
ReplyDeleteA fascinating trip out Jane. It never ceases to amaze me what the Romans and other cultures achieved all those years ago.
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderfully cheerful prize to have won.
I wish I'd know about that when I was last in Dorchester. It is a well-kept secret.....or was!
ReplyDeleteThis was a school trip visit when I was a child, it looks as though it has been cleaned up now. There is a really good walk around Dorch that takes in Hangmans Cottage and other Hardyesque buildings, it really is a delightful little town, have you been up to Borough Gardens, good if you are entertaining small children.
ReplyDeleteI bet those floors could tell a thousand tales - it's fascinating itn't it. All that history.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your lovely prize. What a pretty little egg cosy.
Interesting to see the Roman mosaics, tucked away there! Congratulations on winning Annie's cute little bunny egg cosy, it will be lovely to use!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a happy week, Jane.
Helen x
This is excellent! The oldest thing we'd have here is about 200 years old.
ReplyDeleteI live close to a Roman Villa but the mosaics were removed and copies put on walls in various museums or heritage buildings.
ReplyDeleteThat is a sweet little bunny; I must go visit her site!
ReplyDeleteThe Roman mosaics are fascinating, and seeing the artifacts of the ancient peoples has always been so interesting to me as well. I could spend a long time wondering about both the craftsmen who created all that beauty and the people who frequented the homes, offices, etc....endlessly interesting! I found a link for you about that townhouse: http://www.thejoyofshards.co.uk/visits/southtrip/townhouse.shtml
Here is another link with more information though you have to dig to find it: http://www.dorsetforyou.com/roman-town-house
ReplyDeleteAren't those mosaics amazing - not what you'd expect to find there at all! Love the little egg cosy :-)
ReplyDeletei didnt know that was there in dorchester Jane! so close, relatively!! Its now pencilled in as somewhere i have to visit so thankyou for this post!
ReplyDeleteLeanne x
It is fascinating seeing these ancient Roman ruins, especially as there is nothing even remotely like that here.
ReplyDeleteLove the egg cup and bunny.
So awesome to see those mosaics. Thinking of the hands that laid them, the feet that walked on them, the history they've seen - send chills up my spine.
ReplyDeleteIncredible - the Romans were so ahead of their times with their underfloor heating. I spent a wonderful day studying the Roman Villa at Chedworth near Cheltenham and Cirencester when on my Art course it is very similar to some of your photos - the patterned mosaics are quite inspiring. Your pictures have brought back some happy memories.
ReplyDeleteWhat a surprise behind County Hall, hidden yet accessible. I've never heard of it!
ReplyDeleteA pretty little egg cosy gift, lucky you..
Those Romans knew a thing or two didn't they? Beautiful mosaics and perfect inspiration for something crafty as you say Jane. I went to Dorchester Museum many moons ago and remember it as being very interesting with that second floor verandah type display area. Is it still the same? Have these mosaics always been there or are they a newly discovered thing? Looks like a fascinating place to re-visit.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! Those floors are incredible.
ReplyDeleteAnd you're welcome Jane ... may all your boiled eggs be cosy ones. Thank you for the mention :D
I really enjoyed reading about the Roman Town House, the mosaics are lovely. Lovely giveaway goodies too.
ReplyDeleteAnne xx
What an amazing and interesting place to visit. Thank you for sharing your photos and story. Your giveaway prize is very sweet!
ReplyDeleteI've really enjoyed sharing your visit, what a fascinating place!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the prize, the egg cozy is SO cute :o)
Rose H
x
How interesting! I love Dorchester (and if my memory serves me right many years ago I visited the old court house?). LOVE the Roman remains, thank you for the photos and info (what Tourist Information office closes on a Sunday?!).
ReplyDeleteCute bunny egg cosy etc, congratulations!
x