Scheduled MonumentsEnglandOffa's Dyke: section in Caswell Wood, 280m west of Beeches Farm

Offa's Dyke: section in Caswell Wood, 280m west of Beeches Farm

England
List entry 1020601
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Offa's Dyke is a substantial linear earthwork constructed during the later eighth century, most likely under King Offa of Mercia (ruled 757–796), to demarcate and defend the Anglo-Saxon kingdom's western frontier against the Welsh kingdoms. The section preserved in Caswell Wood, lying 280 metres west of Beeches Farm, consists of a substantial bank with an accompanying ditch, following the topography of the Gloucestershire landscape in characteristic fashion. The monument remains archaeologically significant as part of the longest prehistoric or early medieval defensive structure in Britain, extending over 240 kilometres from the North Welsh coast to the Severn estuary. This particular section demonstrates the engineering standards and territorial ambitions of the Mercian kingdom during the Anglo-Saxon period, preserving evidence of one of the most substantial building projects of early medieval Britain.

Offa's Dyke: section in Caswell Wood, 280m west of Beeches Farm is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1020601. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Offa's Dyke: section in Caswell Wood, 280m west of Beeches Farm?

Offa's Dyke is a substantial linear earthwork constructed during the later eighth century, most likely under King Offa of Mercia (ruled 757–796), to demarcate and defend the Anglo-Saxon kingdom's western frontier against the Welsh kingdoms. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1020601.

Who is responsible for protecting Offa's Dyke: section in Caswell Wood, 280m west of Beeches Farm?

Offa's Dyke: section in Caswell Wood, 280m west of Beeches Farm 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 1020601.

What other scheduled monuments are near Offa's Dyke: section in Caswell Wood, 280m west of Beeches Farm?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Chepstow Castle (6.6 km), Chepstow Town Wall and Gate (7.1 km), Offa's Dyke: section immediately north east of Sedbury sewage works (7.3 km).

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