Scheduled MonumentsEnglandTwo cross dykes on Fontmell Down, 850m and 880m south east of Gourd's Farm

Two cross dykes on Fontmell Down, 850m and 880m south east of Gourd's Farm

England
List entry 1020361
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Two cross dykes on Fontmell Down is an Iron Age defensive earthwork situated in Dorset, consisting of two parallel linear banks constructed across the chalk downland landscape to control movement and access across the ridge. The dykes are positioned approximately 850 and 880 metres south-east of Gourd's Farm, running broadly east to west across the terrain. These cross dykes are characteristic of Iron Age boundary or defensive systems, typical of the period between approximately 800 and 100 BC, and represent the territorial organisation and land management practices of Iron Age communities in the region. The monument remains visible as earthen banks that would have presented a significant physical barrier controlling passage across this strategic section of downland.

Two cross dykes on Fontmell Down, 850m and 880m south east of Gourd's Farm is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1020361. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Two cross dykes on Fontmell Down, 850m and 880m south east of Gourd's Farm?

Two cross dykes on Fontmell Down is an Iron Age defensive earthwork situated in Dorset, consisting of two parallel linear banks constructed across the chalk downland landscape to control movement and access across the ridge. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1020361.

Who is responsible for protecting Two cross dykes on Fontmell Down, 850m and 880m south east of Gourd's Farm?

Two cross dykes on Fontmell Down, 850m and 880m south east of Gourd's Farm 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 1020361.

What other scheduled monuments are near Two cross dykes on Fontmell Down, 850m and 880m south east of Gourd's Farm?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Hod Hill camp and Lydsbury Rings (8 km), Two Late Iron Age or Romano-British enclosed settlements with part of an associated field system 420m NNW of South Farm (8.1 km), Lazerton Farm causewayed road (8.1 km).

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