Car Dyke

England
List entry 1006930
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Car Dyke is a linear earthwork of Roman date running for approximately 16 miles across the Cambridgeshire Fens between the River Nene near Peterborough and the River Great Ouse near Littleport. The dyke consists of a substantial bank and ditch, which scholars interpret as having served drainage and defensive purposes during the Roman occupation of Britain, likely dating to the second or third century AD. The monument represents significant Roman engineering works undertaken to manage the fenland landscape and control movement across this low-lying terrain. Car Dyke remains one of the most extensive surviving Roman linear earthworks in England, though much of its course is now obscured by medieval and post-medieval landscape development.

Car Dyke is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1006930. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Car Dyke?

Car Dyke is a linear earthwork of Roman date running for approximately 16 miles across the Cambridgeshire Fens between the River Nene near Peterborough and the River Great Ouse near Littleport. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1006930.

Who is responsible for protecting Car Dyke?

Car Dyke is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1006930.

What other scheduled monuments are near Car Dyke?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Chesterton Abbey (5.8 km), Deserted medieval village in Bottisham Park (6 km), Old Cheddar's Lane pumping station (6.1 km).

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