The archaeological collections at Dorset County Museum are a unique and vital resource for research and contain approximately 1.3 million archaeological finds. The only English Heritage approved store for the deposition of archaeology in the county, the Museum’s collection includes metalwork, pottery, bone, wood, shale, glass, lead and stone objects relating to the history of Dorset from the pre-historic to medieval periods.
They are of outstanding significance in the study of Northern Europe, particularly the prehistoric, Iron Age and Roman collections, most notably from Maiden Castle and the Roman Town House at Collition Park in Dorchester.
The Museum has added continually to its archaeological holdings throughout its 150 year history. Historically, important archaeological collections were presented by Cunnington, Moule, Warne, Hall and Bean in the 1880s, 1880-1900, 1880 and 1982 respectively. Other specimens have been acquired from private individuals, statutory deposition, rescue archaeology, research excavations, treasure purchases and through liaison with the Dorset County Archaeologist, the Dorset and Somerset Portable Antiquities Officer and members of the Dorset Archaeological Committee.