Scheduled MonumentsEnglandWat's Dyke:80m long section and adjacent cultivation terraces 540m east of Oswestry Castle

Wat's Dyke:80m long section and adjacent cultivation terraces 540m east of Oswestry Castle

England
List entry 1020564
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Wat's Dyke is a linear earthwork forming part of the defensive frontier system between Anglo-Saxon Mercia and Wales, dating to the seventh or eighth century. The 80-metre section recorded near Oswestry Castle represents a portion of what was once a substantial barrier extending northwards from the River Dee valley, comprising a substantial bank with associated ditch. The adjacent cultivation terraces, positioned 540 metres east of the castle, indicate medieval or post-medieval agricultural use of the landscape and demonstrate the long-term settlement patterns in the region surrounding the dyke. This monument provides archaeological evidence for early medieval territorial organisation and the management of the Anglo-Welsh border during the pre-Viking period.

Wat's Dyke:80m long section and adjacent cultivation terraces 540m east of Oswestry Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1020564. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Wat's Dyke:80m long section and adjacent cultivation terraces 540m east of Oswestry Castle?

Wat's Dyke is a linear earthwork forming part of the defensive frontier system between Anglo-Saxon Mercia and Wales, dating to the seventh or eighth century. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1020564.

Who is responsible for protecting Wat's Dyke:80m long section and adjacent cultivation terraces 540m east of Oswestry Castle?

Wat's Dyke:80m long section and adjacent cultivation terraces 540m east of Oswestry Castle 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 1020564.

What other scheduled monuments are near Wat's Dyke:80m long section and adjacent cultivation terraces 540m east of Oswestry Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Offa's Dyke: section 200yds (180m) long, S of The Royal Oak Inn (5.8 km), Offa's Dyke: section 330yds (300m) S from Treflach Wood (6.1 km), Offa's Dyke: section 90m east of Ty Gwyn (6.4 km).

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Research the area around Wat's Dyke:80m long section and adjacent cultivation terraces 540m east of Oswestry Castle