Scheduled MonumentsEnglandOffa's Dyke: the section extending 950yds (870m) N and S of Big Oaks

Offa's Dyke: the section extending 950yds (870m) N and S of Big Oaks

England
List entry 1001738
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 in the late eighth century, traditionally attributed to King Offa of Mercia, which formed a frontier barrier between the kingdom of Mercia and the Welsh territories to the west. The section extending approximately 950 yards north and south of Big Oaks in Herefordshire survives as a prominent ridge and ditch, demonstrating the characteristic construction technique of a substantial bank with an associated ditch on its western side. This portion of the dyke exemplifies the engineering ambition of the Mercian kingdom and its defensive strategy during the Anglo-Saxon period. The monument is recorded on the National Heritage List for England and remains one of the most significant archaeological features of the early medieval landscape in the English-Welsh borderlands.

Offa's Dyke: the section extending 950yds (870m) N and S of Big Oaks is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1001738. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Offa's Dyke: the section extending 950yds (870m) N and S of Big Oaks?

Offa's Dyke is a substantial linear earthwork constructed in the late eighth century, traditionally attributed to King Offa of Mercia, which formed a frontier barrier between the kingdom of Mercia and the Welsh territories to the west. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1001738.

Who is responsible for protecting Offa's Dyke: the section extending 950yds (870m) N and S of Big Oaks?

Offa's Dyke: the section extending 950yds (870m) N and S of Big Oaks 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 1001738.

What other scheduled monuments are near Offa's Dyke: the section extending 950yds (870m) N and S of Big Oaks?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including New Weir Roman site (3.4 km), Churchyard cross in St Mary's churchyard (4.2 km), Churchyard cross in St Mary's churchyard (4.7 km).

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