Scheduled MonumentsEnglandDevil's Ditch, Reach to Woodditton

Devil's Ditch, Reach to Woodditton

England
List entry 1003262
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Devil's Ditch is a linear earthwork forming a defensive bank and ditch that extends across the chalk uplands of Cambridgeshire between Reach and Woodditton. The monument dates to the Iron Age, likely constructed during the later prehistoric period as part of territorial or defensive systems associated with early communities inhabiting the East Anglian landscape. The ditch, which gives the feature its distinctive character, runs for approximately nine miles and represents a substantial engineering undertaking, with the earthwork surviving as a prominent ridge and furrow formation across the landscape. The site remains significant as one of the major prehistoric linear boundaries in eastern England and provides evidence of Iron Age land management and settlement patterns in the region.

Devil's Ditch, Reach to Woodditton is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1003262. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Devil's Ditch, Reach to Woodditton?

Devil's Ditch is a linear earthwork forming a defensive bank and ditch that extends across the chalk uplands of Cambridgeshire between Reach and Woodditton. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1003262.

Who is responsible for protecting Devil's Ditch, Reach to Woodditton?

Devil's Ditch, Reach to Woodditton 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 1003262.

What other scheduled monuments are near Devil's Ditch, Reach to Woodditton?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Bowl barrow 160m south west of the National Stud clubhouse (2.8 km), Medieval moated site 160m north east of The Hall (4.3 km), Cheveley Castle, 350m north west of Old Hall Farm (4.4 km).

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