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Wansdyke is a substantial linear earthwork of Dark Age date, probably constructed during the fifth or sixth century, forming part of a longer defensive system extending across Wiltshire and Somerset. This section runs southward from Furze Hill towards the Marlborough-Pewsey road, comprising a pronounced ditch with flanking banks typical of the monument's construction. The earthwork's precise purpose remains debated among scholars, though it likely served as a territorial boundary or defensive line during the post-Roman period. The section's survival as an upstanding archaeological feature reflects the substantial labour investment in its original creation and the relatively protected landscape of the chalk downland it traverses.
Wansdyke: section from S of Furze Hill to Marlborough-Pewsey road is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1004719. View the official record →
Wansdyke is a substantial linear earthwork of Dark Age date, probably constructed during the fifth or sixth century, forming part of a longer defensive system extending across Wiltshire and Somerset. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1004719.
Wansdyke: section from S of Furze Hill to Marlborough-Pewsey road 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 1004719.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including 'Giant's Grave' long barrow on Milton Hill (8.3 km), 'The Spectacles' (8.6 km), The Hatfield Earthwork: a henge enclosure, henge and remains of monumental mound at Marden (9.3 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 from S of Furze Hill to Marlborough-Pewsey road