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

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Overview

History & significance

Two cross dykes on Fontmell Down is a pair of defensive earthworks located on high ground in Dorset, southeast of Gourd's Farm. These linear monuments consist of banks and ditches constructed across the ridge to impede movement along the downland, characteristic of Iron Age defensive structures dating to approximately the first millennium before the common era. The dykes represent evidence of territorial demarcation or military control during the later prehistoric period, when such ridge-top barriers were constructed across southern English chalk uplands. The monuments survive as visible earthwork features and remain significant for understanding Iron Age settlement patterns and landscape management in the region.

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 a pair of defensive earthworks located on high ground in Dorset, southeast of Gourd's Farm. 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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