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The Triple Dyke is a linear earthwork forming part of the Iron Age and Romano-British defences of Camulodunum, the major territorial oppidum established in Essex from the first century BC. The monument comprises three parallel banks and ditches that functioned as both boundary markers and defensive barriers, controlling access across the settlement's extensive landscape. Dating primarily to the late Iron Age and continuing in use during the Roman period, the Triple Dyke exemplifies the sophisticated territorial organisation characteristic of late pre-Roman British élite centres. The earthwork remains visible as substantial earthen ramparts in the landscape around modern Colchester, preserving evidence of one of Britain's most significant proto-urban settlements.
The Triple Dyke: part of the Iron Age territorial oppidum and Romano-British town of Camulodunum is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1019993. View the official record →
The Triple Dyke is a linear earthwork forming part of the Iron Age and Romano-British defences of Camulodunum, the major territorial oppidum established in Essex from the first century BC. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1019993.
The Triple Dyke: part of the Iron Age territorial oppidum and Romano-British town of Camulodunum 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 1019993.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Gryme's Dyke at Stanway Green: part of the Iron Age territorial oppidum and Romano-British town of Camulodunum (1.4 km), Gosbecks Iron Age and Romano-British site (2.7 km), Roman Practice Camp and late Iron Age and Roman remains east of Stanway Hall Farm (2.7 km).
This page is just one thread. A full Aubrey report pulls together 15 strands of The Triple Dyke: part of the Iron Age territorial oppidum and Romano-British town of Camulodunum's history, each drawn from the record and mapped to the exact spot:
Every location is different. Not every section appears for every place, only what the historical record actually holds turns up in a report.
The Triple Dyke: part of the Iron Age territorial oppidum and Romano-British town of Camulodunum stands on Thames Group, bedrock that formed in the Eocene. The rock here is clay, silt, sand and gravel.