Section of a single and double linear boundary dyke in Horse Dale, and the junctions of Holm Dale and Harper Dale, north west of Northfield Farm

Scheduled area

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History & significance

This section of linear boundary dyke in Horse Dale, north-west of Northfield Farm near Northfield in Yorkshire, comprises both single and double-bank earthwork formations at the junctions of Holm Dale and Harper Dale. The dyke represents a field boundary system of prehistoric or early medieval date, constructed to demarcate land divisions across the upland terrain. The monument survives as a substantial earthwork feature, with its dual-bank configuration in places suggesting either multiple phases of construction or reinforcement of an initially single bank. Such linear dykes are characteristic of territorial organisation in northern England and serve as important evidence for the evolution of landscape management and land tenure across successive periods.

Section of a single and double linear boundary dyke in Horse Dale, and the junctions of Holm Dale and Harper Dale, north west of Northfield Farm is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1015566. View the official record →

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