Scheduled MonumentsEnglandPart of Dorset Cursus

Part of Dorset Cursus

England
List entry 1003222
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Part of Dorset Cursus is a Neolithic ceremonial monument consisting of a linear earthwork formed by parallel banks and ditches, located in Dorset in the south-west of England. The cursus dates to the early Neolithic period, likely constructed during the fourth millennium BCE, and extends for several kilometres across the landscape in a remarkably straight line. This section represents one of the longest cursus monuments in Britain and is thought to have served a ritual or processional function, possibly associated with the movement of peoples or ceremonial gatherings characteristic of early farming communities. The parallel ditches that define the monument remain visible as landscape features and demonstrate the considerable labour investment and organisational capacity of Neolithic populations in southern England.

Part of Dorset Cursus is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1003222. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Part of Dorset Cursus?

Part of Dorset Cursus is a Neolithic ceremonial monument consisting of a linear earthwork formed by parallel banks and ditches, located in Dorset in the south-west of England. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1003222.

Who is responsible for protecting Part of Dorset Cursus?

Part of Dorset Cursus 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 1003222.

What other scheduled monuments are near Part of Dorset Cursus?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Group of henge monuments, an associated group of round barrows, a Saxon cemetery, and a Norman church at Knowlton (6.4 km), Round barrow cemetery south of New Barn Farm, associated with the Knowlton Circles (6.8 km), Bowl barrow 170m north east of the Horton Inn (7.7 km).

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