A linear earthwork north east of West Woodyates Manor: part of the `Bokerley Line'

Scheduled area

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History & significance

The Bokerley Line is a linear earthwork north east of West Woodyates Manor in Dorset, England, representing one of the most substantial defensive works of the Late Roman period in Britain. The monument comprises a substantial bank and ditch running for several kilometres across the chalk downland, constructed to defend the territory against Saxon incursions during the fourth century. Archaeological evidence, including excavation finds and pottery analysis, indicates that the earthwork was constructed in the late third or early fourth century and may have remained in use into the fifth century. The monument is particularly significant as it demonstrates Romano-British responses to external military threat during the final decades of Roman rule in Britain.

A linear earthwork north east of West Woodyates Manor: part of the `Bokerley Line' is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1012138. View the official record →

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