Scheduled MonumentsEnglandCross-ridge dyke on Rawston Down

Cross-ridge dyke on Rawston Down

England
List entry 1002462
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Cross-ridge dyke on Rawston Down is a prehistoric linear earthwork located in Dorset. The monument consists of a bank and ditch formation that cuts across the ridge, a characteristic feature of cross-ridge dykes constructed during the Bronze Age or Iron Age to demarcate territory, control movement, or defend upland pastoral resources. Such dykes are typically found on chalk downland and represent significant investment in landscape management during prehistory. The earthwork remains visible today as an archaeological feature of regional importance within the broader pattern of defensive and territorial works across southern England's chalk uplands.

Cross-ridge dyke on Rawston Down is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1002462. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Cross-ridge dyke on Rawston Down?

Cross-ridge dyke on Rawston Down is a prehistoric linear earthwork located in Dorset. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1002462.

Who is responsible for protecting Cross-ridge dyke on Rawston Down?

Cross-ridge dyke on Rawston Down 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 1002462.

What other scheduled monuments are near Cross-ridge dyke on Rawston Down?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including A shrunken medieval village and earlier prehistoric settlement remains at Walnut Tree Field (6.9 km), Medieval standing cross 15m south west of St Mary's Church (7 km), Remains of medieval standing cross adjacent to St Mary's Church, Almer (7.6 km).

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