156 THE ROMAN OCCUPATION OF WAREHAM. 



of unquestionable antiquity. In November, 1897, during some 

 excavations at the base of the bastion on the east side of the 

 bridge, another bed of oyster shells was discovered at the ancient 

 sea level, about four feet deep. When the graves were being 

 dug in the cemetery, quantities of oyster shells were also 

 frequently found at a depth of five or six feet. If, as it has been 

 asserted, an abundance of oyster shells is " a sure indication of 

 a Roman occupation ; " there is in these ancient shells a sub- 

 stantial proof that the Romans occupied Wareham. 



A small lead figure, believed to be Roman, was dug up in a 

 garden by the east wall in the spring of 1896. The figure was 

 shown with the other Wareham relics at the meeting of the 

 Dorset Field Club, held December 8th, 1897, an( ^ during a 

 discussion thereon, it was compared with a figure in the County 

 Museum. Having forwarded the lead figure to the British 

 Museum, the owner, Mr. J. B. C. Best, received from Mr. 

 Charles H. Read the following : 



" BRITISH MUSEUM, 



" London, W.C., 



" 9 June, 1896. 



" The lead figure of a negro in the Greek and Roman depart- 

 ment is almost identical with yours, except that the details are 

 much clearer ; probably it is from the same mould, but is cast 

 hollow. Round the waist there is a belt fastened by two large 

 buckles and holding up a pair of drawers. Although the surface 

 is in better condition, the figure has been mutilated to almost 

 the same degree as yours. The specimen in the Museum came 

 from Perugia last year, and Mr. Murray, keeper of the Greek and 

 Roman antiquities, considers that both specimens may be 

 genuine ; but to me it seems very strange that two identical 

 specimens should reach us at almost the same time." 



In May, 1896, the remains of All Saints' Church, in North 

 Street, were demolished. Whilst some excavations were being 

 made upon the site a large number of fragments of Roman 

 pottery were unearthed. Some 20 of the fragments, representing 



