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Wansdyke is a linear earthwork monument of early medieval date, constructed between the fifth and seventh centuries AD to form a defensive boundary across the Wessex landscape. This section of the dyke extends eastward from The Firs towards Tan Hill, comprising a substantial ditch with an associated bank, typical of the monument's engineering along its approximately forty-mile length. The earthwork is archaeologically significant as evidence of territorial organisation and conflict management during the early Anglo-Saxon period, when such boundaries demarcated political or defensive zones within the kingdom of Wessex. The preservation of this stretch preserves important stratigraphic and morphological evidence for understanding the construction techniques and chronology of one of southern England's most substantial ancient linear monuments.
Section of Wansdyke and associated monuments from east of The Firs to the eastern side of Tan Hill is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1017288. View the official record →
Wansdyke is a linear earthwork monument of early medieval date, constructed between the fifth and seventh centuries AD to form a defensive boundary across the Wessex landscape. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1017288.
Section of Wansdyke and associated monuments from east of The Firs to the eastern side of Tan Hill 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 1017288.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Two bowl barrows in Roundway Hill Covert (4.6 km), Rybury camp (4.6 km), All Cannings Cross, an Early Iron Age settlement site (4.6 km).
Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any address in Britain — drawing on scheduled monument data, Domesday records, Roman heritage, PAS finds and medieval history to reveal the complete story of a landscape.
Research the area around Section of Wansdyke and associated monuments from east of The Firs to the eastern side of Tan Hill