Old Roads

Pre-historic Roads : 

It is very likely that the "pre Roman" routes existed long before the invasion of AD43. There is much evidence of occupation in the valley from the earliest times and most tracks would have been pathways used on foot.

Roman Road : 

The Roman Road built westward from Dorchester down to Exeter forms the northern boundary of the Parish. Maiden Castle was "captured" in about 44AD only a year after the main invasion in Kent. The road west to Dorchester was built about 45AD and by 55AD the II Legion Augusta had reached and built a fort at Exeter.

The modern A35 follows its route until it follows the 2nd Turnpike and drops down into the valley (near the pallets). Further east, the Roman Road can be clearly seen from the A35 when travelling west and continues straight on with the modern single lane road following its route.  

Turnpike Roads : 

The Second Turnpike Trust in Dorset was set up by an Act of 1753/4 (Harnham, Blandford and Dorchester Trust).  The Turnpike road running west from Dorchester followed the old Roman Road for about three miles before following an existing route down into the South Winterbourne valley between Steepleton and Abbas and then running westward through Winterbourne Abbas village itself - the precursor of the present A35.

Another Turnpike (Weymouth, Melcombe Regis and Dorchester Trust) set up in 1761, saw a road run from Broadwey near Weymouth via Stottingway and Ashton (east of Martinstown) to join up with the 1753 road at Steepleton.

Another Turnpike (Abbotsbury & Bridport Trust) of 1776, saw a road run from Portesham over Black Down down to join the existing roads at Steepleton.

Another Turnpike (Maiden Newton Trust) of 1777/8, saw a road run from Frampton to join the Western Turnpike at Steepleton.

Below : Isaac Taylor's map of 1765 shows the earlier Turnpike Roads :