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Wansdyke is a linear earthwork of late Saxon or early medieval date, constructed as a defensive boundary across the Berkshire downlands. This section, measuring approximately 530 yards (490 metres) and located on the western side of Old Dyke Lane, survives as a substantial bank and ditch formation characteristic of the monument's broader engineering. The dyke represents a significant territorial boundary work, probably constructed between the fifth and seventh centuries, and this preserved stretch demonstrates the scale and construction technique employed in the larger linear defence system. The site's designation as a scheduled ancient monument reflects its archaeological importance as evidence of early medieval land division and defensive strategy in the Anglo-Saxon period.
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 linear earthwork of late Saxon or early medieval date, constructed as a defensive boundary across the Berkshire downlands. 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).
This page is just one thread. A full Aubrey report pulls together 15 strands of Wansdyke, section 530yds (490m) on W side of Old Dyke Lane'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.
Wansdyke, section 530yds (490m) on W side of Old Dyke Lane stands on White Chalk Subgroup, bedrock that formed in the Maastrichtian. The rock here is chalk.