24 BADBURY RINGS. 



the distance being about a mile. On tho Lake side it is very 

 evident, running diagonally across Mr. Bankes' meadow to the 

 back stream, and near to where Lake Mill formerly stood ; but I 

 could not make it out any further, nor where the present turnpike 

 road crosses its line. From this point to the Gravel-pit is about 

 quarter of a mile, and the modern road might have been formed 

 upon it, or its course through the field is obliterated." 



These conclude the notes of my personal observation, and I 

 desire to add that in these excursions I was accompanied by my 

 old friend the late Mr. Hawes, of Wimborne, who took the 

 greatest interest in the enquiry. 



It will not be irrelevant to adduce a statement which I find in 

 Ancient Wilts, vol. ii., p. 34, 1812, from such an experienced 

 practical archssologist as Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Bart. : 



"VlA ICENIANA. 



" It conies out of the Park (Mr. Sturt's) into a wide green 

 trackway to the left of a row of cottages (near the school house). 

 I wish my readers to notice this particular spot, from which 

 another Roman road diverges to Poole" [The italics are mine.] 

 *NotebySirR.C.H. 



"BADBURY, p. 35, IB. 



" The first time I visited this ground I was forcibly struck with 

 the appearance of two raised causeways ascending the hill in 

 different directions, the one mounting the high ground in a direct 



* "I was twice induced to explore this line of Roman road, which, 

 according to Mr. Taylor's Map of Dorsetshire, branched off from this spot, 

 but am sorry to say that our researches, though in parts successful, were 

 not attended with that satisfaction we could have wished. There is, 

 indeed, but one part of it which is very evident, and that is near 

 Cogdean, and not far from the mansion house at Merley. It is after- 

 wards traversed by the road leading from Poole, between miles five and 

 six, and its line has been adopted for the course of the modern mid 

 across the dreary Heath, and newly enclosed lands leading over Lytchett 

 Common towards Poole Harbour. Its probable destination was Ham- 

 worthy, or some spot in its vicinity, as the straight line is continued to 

 the toll gate towards Ham Heath." 



