Scheduled MonumentsEnglandThe Shire Ditch See also WORCESTERSHIRE 244

The Shire Ditch See also WORCESTERSHIRE 244

England
List entry 1003812
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

The Shire Ditch is an ancient linear earthwork in Worcestershire that forms part of the defensive or territorial system associated with the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia. The monument consists of a substantial ditch, likely constructed during the early medieval period, though its precise dating remains uncertain. It represents an important example of the large-scale land division and fortification strategies employed in the West Midlands during the Saxon era. The earthwork's exact function—whether primarily defensive, administrative, or territorial—continues to be a subject of archaeological study.

The Shire Ditch See also WORCESTERSHIRE 244 is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1003812. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is The Shire Ditch See also WORCESTERSHIRE 244?

The Shire Ditch is an ancient linear earthwork in Worcestershire that forms part of the defensive or territorial system associated with the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1003812.

Who is responsible for protecting The Shire Ditch See also WORCESTERSHIRE 244?

The Shire Ditch See also WORCESTERSHIRE 244 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 1003812.

What other scheduled monuments are near The Shire Ditch See also WORCESTERSHIRE 244?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including The Shire Ditch See also HEREFORDSHIRE 244 (0 km), Priory gateway (1 km), Churchyard cross in Great Malvern Priory churchyard (1.1 km).

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