^Jlomcm Occupation of 



By GEORGE J. BENNETT. 



(Eead December 15th t 1S9S.J 



HE Roman occupation of Wareham has been disputed 

 for two reasons, first, because the subject has never 

 been thoroughly studied ; next, because no record 

 has ever been made of the Roman relics discovered. 

 None who have given the subject consideration 

 would entertain a thought that the stupendous, 

 magnificent, and extraordinary earthworks at 

 Wareham are of Roman origin. That they were 

 of British origin, adapted and strengthened by 

 succeeding races, will not admit of doubt. Wareham has well 

 been described as " affording the rare spectacle of a modern 

 town existing within the ramparts of a British fort." * And these 

 military relics of a semi-barbarous age are entitled to con- 

 sideration from the antiquaries and protection from the modern 

 barbarians. 



Few towns can boast such splendid monuments of a very 

 distant past as Wareham ; and it is deeply to be regretted that 

 these military earthworks, vestiges of a far remote period, and 



* See Hutchins' 3rd Ed., Vol. I., page 94. 



