The first defences of the Roman town of Durnovaria were an earthen bank and ditch, constructed not earlier than 130 AD.

Stone walls were built along the front of the bank at a later time, perhaps in the 4th century.

[2] Hutchins' Map of Dorchester, of 1772, shows tree-lined avenues along the lines of the Roman defences.

[1] There is a surviving fragment of the Roman wall, on Albert Road near the corner of Princes Street.

[2][4] The 18th-century wall beside the Walk round Colliton Park on the line of the Roman defences is also Grade II listed.