Scheduled MonumentsEnglandOffa's Dyke: section 1600yds (1460m) long, N from St John the Baptist's Church to River Unk

Offa's Dyke: section 1600yds (1460m) long, N from St John the Baptist's Church to River Unk

England
List entry 1003246
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Offa's Dyke is a linear earthwork monument constructed during the reign of King Offa of Mercia in the late eighth century, forming part of an extensive defensive and boundary system along the Welsh border. This particular section, extending approximately 1,460 metres northward from St John the Baptist's Church toward the River Unk in Shropshire, survives as a substantial bank and ditch characteristic of the dyke's construction throughout its course. The monument remains among the most significant examples of Anglo-Saxon frontier engineering, intended to demarcate territorial control between the Mercian kingdom and Welsh polities. The section's preservation as an ancient monument testifies to the durability of its earthwork construction and its continued prominence in the medieval landscape.

Offa's Dyke: section 1600yds (1460m) long, N from St John the Baptist's Church to River Unk is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1003246. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Offa's Dyke: section 1600yds (1460m) long, N from St John the Baptist's Church to River Unk?

Offa's Dyke is a linear earthwork monument constructed during the reign of King Offa of Mercia in the late eighth century, forming part of an extensive defensive and boundary system along the Welsh border. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1003246.

Who is responsible for protecting Offa's Dyke: section 1600yds (1460m) long, N from St John the Baptist's Church to River Unk?

Offa's Dyke: section 1600yds (1460m) long, N from St John the Baptist's Church to River Unk 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 1003246.

What other scheduled monuments are near Offa's Dyke: section 1600yds (1460m) long, N from St John the Baptist's Church to River Unk?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Bowl barrow 500m north of The Oak Farm (5.9 km), Bicton Ditches (6.3 km), Offa's Dyke: section 400m south west of Springhill Farm (7.1 km).

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