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Wansdyke is a substantial linear earthwork of Dark Age date, constructed most likely in the fifth or sixth century AD as a territorial or defensive boundary. This section, measuring approximately 530 yards on the western side of Old Dyke Lane near Streatley in Berkshire, comprises a ditch and bank formation typical of the monument's construction across its entire length. The earthwork extends for several miles across the Berkshire Downs and represents significant investment in labour and engineering, though scholarly debate continues regarding whether it functioned primarily as a military defence, a boundary marker between territories, or a combination of both. The survival of this section, despite later agricultural activity and modern land use, provides important archaeological evidence for understanding early Saxon settlement patterns and territorial organisation in southern England.
Wansdyke, section 530yds (490m) on W side of Old Dyke Lane is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1005386. View the official record →
Wansdyke is a substantial linear earthwork of Dark Age date, constructed most likely in the fifth or sixth century AD as a territorial or defensive boundary. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1005386.
Wansdyke, section 530yds (490m) on W side of Old Dyke Lane 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 1005386.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Bowl barrow 450m north of Cross Droves (4.9 km), Long barrow on Smay Down, 300m east of The Hassock (6.1 km), Netherton medieval settlement earthworks (6.5 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 Wansdyke, section 530yds (490m) on W side of Old Dyke Lane