1003037 – Ditch 530yds (484m) SW of Stitchcombe Farm

Historic England listed monument: 1003037 – LiDAR Tile: SU26NW – Wiltshire

GE Map

OS Map

1800 OS Map

LiDAR Map

SU 22278 69134

Length (m): 151 (on Map)

Orientation: N – S

Class Designation*:

Overall Width (m): 19

Ditch Width (m): 11

Bank Width (m): 7

Connectivity**: Paleochannel

Ditch Shape: ?

Volume (cu.m): 2,159 (@ 1.3 depth)

Man hours to complete: 7,198

Estimated Construction Date: Mesolithic

Number of Quarries*** (within 200m): 9

Number of Springs**** (within 200m): 0

Scheduled Monument Report:

None

Analysis:

This Dyke is incorrectly reported by Historic England as the identified area on the OS map is just 151m. The confusion is that this Dyke is interconnected by other Dykes and an old extension towards the quarries it used to service. There are over 50+ quarry sites on the plateau that it connects to the river of prehistory. There are two more quarries running N – S (one to the left and another to the right) which have also been missed by HE no doubt built for the same function of transporting the mined minerals to the river.

The LiDAR imagery reveals that this landscape was once rich in mineral deposits, all channelled into the river via engineered earthworks (or dykes) dating back to prehistoric times. We can actually distinguish two distinct water-management schemes: the classic ditch-and-bank system of the prehistoric era, and later Roman-era extensions built to control new water levels.

Not only do these features provide hard data on past activity, but they also illustrate how the Romans exploited the region’s natural resources to support their trade and supply networks. In total, the maps identify over 250 potential extraction pits (each more than 30 m across) alongside three major quarries that likely date to the Roman period.

References:

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1003037?section=official-list-entry

https://prehistoric-britain.co.uk/dyke-construction-hydrology-101

Further Reading

For those interested in British Prehistory, visit www.prehistoric-britain.co.uk, a comprehensive resource featuring an extensive collection of archaeology articles, modern LiDAR investigations, and groundbreaking research. The site also includes insights and extracts from the acclaimed Robert John Langdon Trilogy, a series of books exploring Britain during the Prehistoric period. Titles in the trilogy include The Stonehenge Enigma, Dawn of the Lost Civilisation, and The Post Glacial Flooding Hypothesis, offering compelling evidence about ancient landscapes shaped by post-glacial flooding.

To further explore these topics, Robert John Langdon has developed a dedicated YouTube channel featuring over 100 video documentaries and investigations that complement the trilogy. Notable discoveries and studies showcased on the channel include 13 Things that Don’t Make Sense in History and the revelation of Silbury Avenue – The Lost Stone Avenue, a rediscovered prehistoric feature at Avebury, Wiltshire. (Rhône to Wansdyke).

In addition to his main works, Langdon has released a series of shorter, accessible publications, ideal for readers delving into specific topics. These include:

• The Ancient Mariners
• Stonehenge Built 8300 BCE
• Old Sarum
• Prehistoric Rivers
• Dykes, Ditches, and Earthworks
• Echoes of Atlantis
• Homo Superior
• 13 Things that Don’t Make Sense in History
• Silbury Avenue – The Lost Stone Avenue
• Offa’s Dyke
• The Stonehenge Enigma
• The Post-Glacial Flooding Hypothesis
• The Stonehenge Hoax
• Dawn of the Lost Civilisation
• Darwin’s Children
• Great Chester’s Roman Aqueduct
• Wansdyke

For active discussions and updates on the trilogy’s findings and recent LiDAR investigations, join our vibrant community on Facebook. Engage with like-minded enthusiasts by leaving a message or contributing to debates in our Facebook Group.

Whether through the books, the website, or interactive videos, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of Britain’s fascinating prehistoric past. We encourage you to explore these resources and uncover the mysteries of ancient landscapes through the lens of modern archaeology.

For more information, including chapter extracts and related publications, visit the Robert John Langdon Author Page. Dive into works such as The Stonehenge Enigma or Dawn of the Lost Civilisation, and explore cutting-edge theories that challenge traditional historical narratives. (Rhône to Wansdyke).

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