Prehistoric Dorset Canals (Dykes)

GE Map of Prehistoric Dorset Canals (Dykes)

Old Map

Geological Landscape

Landscape/Terrain

Database of DYKES (Linear Earthworks) in Dorset

(Click the ‘HE Entry Ref: Number’ (if blue) for more details and Maps)

Name	HE Entry Ref:	NGF
Boundary banks on Rye Hill and in Maldry Wood	1002381	SU 05424 10513
Gillingham Park boundary bank	1002382	ST 83430 24759
Length of deer park bank and ditch at Alderholt	1002394	SU 11425 12783
Combe Ditch, linear dyke	1002400	ST 87253 00629
Dyke SE of Eggardon Hill camp	1002404	SY 54830 94261
Field system in Valley of Stones (including earthwork N of Crow Hill)	1002431	SY 59548 88549
Earthworks in Ditchey Coppice	1002448	ST 88678 13321
Linear earthworks around Lyscombe Bottom	1002454	ST 73177 02625
Earthwork and ancient fields SE of Lyscombe Bottom	1002456	ST 74480 01516
Earthworks on Thickthorn Down	1002457	ST 96665 12317
Cross-ridge dyke on Rawston Down	1002462	ST 91801 06437
Dyke on Long Barrow Hill	1002688	SY 57084 91065
Earthworks on Giant Hill	1002725	ST 66759 01868
Dyke on Wears Hill	1002732	SY 57062 86382
Earthwork 80yds (70m) long NW of Coombe Bottom	1002734	SY 54329 93706
Dyke on Haydon Down	1002735	SY 54791 93472
Cross-ridge dyke on Windsbatch	1002753	SY 65734 85081
Two barrows near Ackling Dyke	1002786	SU 00582 14303
Earthworks on Askerswell Down	1003214	SY 53661 92014
Part of Ackling Dyke (Roman road), including Roman road on Oakley Down	1003309	SU 00923 14905
Cross dyke 600m north of Pitcombe Farm	1011695	SY 58336 90256
Bokerley Dyke, and a section of Grim's Ditch, a section of a medieval boundary bank, and two bowl barrows on and north west of Martin Down	1012135	SU 02361 20034
Two sections of a linear earthwork north of West Woodyates Manor: part of the `Bokerley Line'	1012136	SU 02486 19949
A linear earthwork north east of West Woodyates Manor: part of the `Bokerley Line'	1012138	SU 02343 19898
The western of two linear earthworks north of West Woodyates Manor	1012139	SU 01559 19630
The eastern of two linear earthworks north of West Woodyates Manor	1012140	SU 01762 19664
Bowl barrow and cross dyke on Knowle Hill, 500m NNE of St Peter's Church	1014838	SY 94389 82371
Cross dyke on Knowle Hill, 470m SSE of East Creech Farm	1014842	SY 93163 82104
Cross dyke on Knowle Hill, 430m south of East Creech Farm	1014843	SY 93047 82122
Battery Bank: a linear boundary on Great Plantation, 450m north east of Woodside	1015347	SY 85856 88573
Long barrow, three bell barrows, fancy barrow and a linear earthwork 800m north of Maiden Castle	1015783	SY 66549 89265
Cross dyke and bowl barrow on Bell Hill 690m north east of Baker's Folly	1016686	ST 79682 07996
Cross dyke on Okeford Hill 1km south west of Broughton House	1016689	ST 81685 09579
Cross dyke on Okeford Hill 880m south east of Hartcliff Farm	1016690	ST 81134 09702
Cross dyke and linear boundary on Melbury Hill and Compton Down	1016894	ST 87797 19730
Group of linear earthworks on Worgret Heath	1018187	SY 89778 87076
Linear earthwork on Wareham Common, 350m north west and 420m north east of Little Farm	1018194	SY 90738 87405
Bowl barrow cemetery and a cross dyke on Horton Common 800m south of Bridge Farm	1018411	SU 07535 07230
Cross dyke 480m and 690m NNW of Fontmell Hill House	1019028	ST 88965 17317
Cross dyke on Bell Hill 610m east of Brooks Farm	1019363	ST 80276 09097
Medieval strip lynchets 450m south of Springhead Farm	1020028	ST 87397 16609
Two cross dykes on Fontmell Down, 850m and 880m south east of Gourd's Farm	1020361	ST 88289 18244
Cross ridge dyke 140m north and 70m south of Hatts Barn	1020610	ST 90130 18791
Linear boundary 870m south west of Spring Farm	1020729	ST 90887 16118

Dykes Ditches and Earthworks

Indeed, the modern term “dyke” or “dijk” can be traced back to its Dutch origins. As early as the 12th century, the construction of Dykes in the Netherlands was a well-established practice. One remarkable example of their ingenuity is the Westfriese Omringdijk, stretching an impressive 126 kilometres (78 miles), completed by 1250. This Dyke was formed by connecting existing older ‘dykes’, showcasing the Dutch mastery in managing their aquatic landscape.

The Roman chronicler Tacitus even provides an intriguing historical account of the Batavi, a rebellious people who employed a unique defence strategy during the year AD 70. They punctured the Dykes daringly, deliberately flooding their land to thwart their enemies and secure their retreat. This historical incident highlights the vital role Dykes played in the region’s warfare and water management.

Originally, the word “dijk” encompassed both the trench and the bank, signifying a comprehensive understanding of the Dyke’s dual nature – as both a protective barrier and a channel for water control. This multifaceted concept reflects the profound connection between the Dutch people and their battle against the ever-shifting waters that sought to reclaim their land.

The term “dyke” evolved as time passed, and its usage spread beyond the Dutch borders. Today, it represents not only a symbol of the Netherlands’ engineering prowess but also a universal symbol of human determination in the face of the relentless forces of nature. The legacy of these ancient Dykes lives on, a testament to the resilience and innovation of those who shaped the landscape to withstand the unyielding currents of time.

Upon studying archaeology, whether at university or examining detailed ordinance survey maps, one cannot help but encounter peculiar earthworks scattered across the British hillsides. Astonishingly, these enigmatic features often lack a rational explanation for their presence and purpose. Strangely enough, these features are frequently disregarded in academic circles, brushed aside, or provided with flimsy excuses for their existence. The truth is, these earthworks defy comprehension unless we consider overlooked factors at play.

One curious observation revolves around the term “Dyke,” inherently linked to water. It seems rather peculiar to apply such a word to an earthwork atop a hill unless an ancestral history has imparted its actual function through the ages. Let us consider the celebrated “Offa’s Dyke,” renowned for its massive linear structure, meandering along some of the present boundaries between England and Wales. This impressive feat stands as a testament to the past, seemingly demarcating the realms of the Anglian kingdom of Mercia and the Welsh kingdom of Powys during the 8th century.

However, delving further into the evidence and historical accounts challenges this seemingly straightforward explanation. Roman historian Eutropius, in his work “Historiae Romanae Breviarium”, penned around 369 AD, mentions a grand undertaking by Septimius Severus, the Roman Emperor, from 193 AD to 211 AD. In his pursuit of fortifying the conquered British provinces, Severus constructed a formidable wall stretching 133 miles from coast to coast.

Yet, intriguingly, none of the known Roman defences match this precise length. Hadrian’s Wall, renowned for its defensive prowess, spans a mere 70 miles. Could Eutropius have referred to Offa’s Dyke, which bears remarkable similarity to the Roman practice of initially erecting banks and ditches for defence?

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