Scheduled MonumentsEnglandWestern end of Dorset Cursus

Western end of Dorset Cursus

England
List entry 1002785
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

The Western end of Dorset Cursus is a Neolithic monument located in Dorset, England, forming part of one of the longest known cursus monuments in Britain. This earthwork, dating to the early Neolithic period, consists of parallel banks and ditches that originally extended for several kilometres across the Dorset landscape. The western terminus represents the defined endpoint of this linear ceremonial or processional structure, whose archaeological significance lies in its demonstration of large-scale organised labour and landscape planning during the fourth millennium BC. The monument's survival and archaeological character have made it an important reference point for understanding Neolithic monumental construction and territorial organisation in southern England.

Western end of Dorset Cursus is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1002785. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Western end of Dorset Cursus?

The Western end of Dorset Cursus is a Neolithic monument located in Dorset, England, forming part of one of the longest known cursus monuments in Britain. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1002785.

Who is responsible for protecting Western end of Dorset Cursus?

Western end of Dorset Cursus 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 1002785.

What other scheduled monuments are near Western end of Dorset Cursus?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Group of round barrows on King Down (9 km), Bowl barrow 800m ESE of Hill Farm (9.1 km), Two bowl barrows and a disc barrow 960m north west and a bowl barrow 880m north west of Crab Farm (9.2 km).

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