WAREHAM : ITS INVASIONS AND BATTLES. 8$ 



Regarding a causeway in the vicinity of Bad bury, it is remaiked 

 on p. 181 : "If this ever was the work of the Romans, we are at a 

 loss to know whither it led, as no signs of it are visible on the 

 other side of the camp ; but the most probable place for its destina- 

 tion was Wareham." From our point of vantage ground, Badbury, 

 where we have seen the Icknield Street existed, the military 

 station of Vindogladia, or Wimborne, and Hamworthy (Vespasian's 

 supposed landing place) lay on our right. From Badbury to the 

 great military station of Durnovaria, or Dorchester, which lay on 

 our left, would be almost a straight direction past Wareham. In 

 tracing the Vicinal Ways at Dorchester Hutchins discovered one 

 passing from that town east towards Wareham ; but Hutchins, Mr. 

 Warne observes, " does not seem to be aware that this portion of 

 the way he has been describing is actually the Via Iceniana itself." 

 A portion of a way or road exists in Wareham Common, and a 

 visit to the Walls will doubtless throw some light upon the 

 subject and elicit opinions from those competent to judge. 

 We may gather from this, that if not actually on, Wareham was in 

 direct communication with, the Icknield street. About two miles 

 north of Wareham is a place known as " Cold Harbour ;" places 

 thus designated are found, Mr. Warne says, " Almost always on 

 Roman sites and near old roads." 



Six miles north-west of Wareham is Bere Regis, a Roman station, 

 situate between Vindogladia and Durnovaria, and which is, according 

 to Hutchins, the Ibeinium of Ravennas. " This is confirmed by 

 the great and elegant Roman camp upon Woodbury Hill, which 

 was the castra stativa to the town near which the rosd passed." 

 Sports were essential to the Romans, both civilians and soldiers ; 

 hence the reason for the erection of the amphitheatre near Dorchester. 

 In considering the Roman towns, "the situation," observes 

 Hutrhins, " ought also attentively to be considered, if it be on or 

 near the Roman road, or the confluence of two rivers, which last 

 they particularly delighted in." The situation of Wareham was 

 doubtless appreciated. Dr. Stukely attributes the original castle at 

 Wareham to the Romans; but this was probably a delightful 



