Jordan Hill Roman Temple, Weymouth, Dorset
An aerial view of a Romano-Celtic temple. It was probably built during the 4th century AD at the top of a hill on the South Dorset Downs overlooking Weymouth Bay. The temple dates from the end of the period of Roman occupation. It was apparently a small temple of a type common in Roman Britain. It was symmetrical in plan, with a central sanctuary or cella rising above a low columned portico which surrounded it on all four sides. Temples of this kind are known as Romano-Celtic because they appear to show a mixture of Celtic and classical religions. A hoard of over 4,000 bronze coins picked up near Jordan Hill in 1928 may represent offerings at the shrine collected over many years. The site is now (2011) in the care of English Heritage. Read more.
