Scheduled MonumentsWalesOffa's Dyke: Cwm Section
Early Medieval · Linear Earthwork

Offa's Dyke: Cwm Section

Wales
Cadw SAM MG151
Period
Early Medieval
Site type
Linear Earthwork
Broad class
Monument
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Offa's Dyke: Cwm Section is a linear earthwork forming part of the greater monument constructed during the reign of King Offa of Mercia in the late eighth century, most likely between 757 and 796. This section of the dyke, located in Wales, comprises a substantial bank and ditch that once served as a territorial boundary between the Mercian kingdom and the Welsh principalities. The earthwork remains visible as a prominent ridge of upcast soil, typical of the construction method employed across the wider dyke system. The Cwm Section represents a significant element of one of the most ambitious engineering projects of Anglo-Saxon England, demonstrating the administrative capacity and labour resources available to the Mercian crown during the late eighth century.

Offa's Dyke: Cwm Section is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference MG151. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Offa's Dyke: Cwm Section?

Offa's Dyke: Cwm Section is a linear earthwork forming part of the greater monument constructed during the reign of King Offa of Mercia in the late eighth century, most likely between 757 and 796. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference MG151.

What period does Offa's Dyke: Cwm Section date from?

Offa's Dyke: Cwm Section dates from the early medieval period, and is classified as a linear earthwork. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Offa's Dyke: Cwm Section?

Offa's Dyke: Cwm Section is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is MG151.

What other scheduled monuments are near Offa's Dyke: Cwm Section?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Offa's Dyke: section 575m north west of Myndtown (6 km), Caer-Din Ring: a small enclosed Iron Age or Romano-British settlement, an adjacent ancient field boundary, round barrow and cultivation remains (6.1 km), Offa's Dyke: section 175m east of Cefn Bronydd (7.4 km).

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