Scheduled MonumentsEnglandDevils Ditch

Devils Ditch

England
List entry 1003522
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Devils Ditch is a linear earthwork located in Hertfordshire, England, consisting of a substantial bank and ditch that runs for approximately four miles across the landscape. Dating to the Iron Age, likely constructed during the later prehistoric period, the monument represents a defensive or territorial boundary marker of considerable engineering effort. The earthwork's scale and alignment suggest it served strategic purposes for the Iron Age communities of the region, though its precise function remains subject to scholarly interpretation. The site remains a significant archaeological feature that provides insight into Iron Age land management and settlement patterns in eastern England.

Devils Ditch is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1003522. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Devils Ditch?

Devils Ditch is a linear earthwork located in Hertfordshire, England, consisting of a substantial bank and ditch that runs for approximately four miles across the landscape. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1003522.

Who is responsible for protecting Devils Ditch?

Devils Ditch 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 1003522.

What other scheduled monuments are near Devils Ditch?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Verulamium, Prae Wood settlement (1.6 km), Verulamium, part of wall and ditch of Roman city (2.4 km), St Albans Abbey, site of conventual buildings (2.5 km).

Aubrey Research

Generate a full report for this location

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any address in Britain — drawing on scheduled monument data, Domesday records, Roman heritage, PAS finds and medieval history to reveal the complete story of a landscape.

Research the area around Devils Ditch