Prehistoric Lincolnshire Canals (Dykes)

GE Map of Prehistoric Lincolnshire Canals (Dykes)

Old Map

Geological Landscape

Landscape/Terrain

Database of DYKES (Linear Earthworks) in Lincolnshire

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

Name	HE Entry Ref:	NGF
Car Dyke between Washingborough and Common Square	1004923	TF 03932 70539
Car Dyke in Nocton Wood	1004924	TF 08596 64284
Car Dyke at Linwood Hall	1004925	TF 12272 60621
Car Dyke W of Martin Wood	1004926	TF 12560 58848
Dogdyke Pumping Station	1004942	TF2057455826
Car Dyke, Roman canal at Helpringham	1004946	TF 14663 39102
Car Dyke, Roman canal N of Washingborough	1004947	TF 02384 70757
Car Dyke, Roman canal adjoining Glebe Farm	1004948	TF 04096 70567
Car Dyke, S of Dyke	1004959	TF 10505 21709
Car Dyke	1004960	TF 12684 58315
Roman wall and ditch on Motherby Hill	1004970	SK 97360 71689
Roman wall, ditch and gate adjoining and under The Park	1004986	SK 97314 71416
Newport Earthworks	1005025	SK 97538 72902
Section of Roman town wall and ditch N of East Bight	1005057	SK 97771 72115
Section of Roman town wall S of the Bishop's Palace	1005059	SK 97823 71655
Section of Roman town wall and ditch N of Eastgate	1005479	SK 97858 72020
Car Dyke SE of Blankney Wood	1005484	TF 11741 61790
Medieval boundary earthworks at Queen's Bank, 100m south east of Providence House	1009980	TF 29926 14147
Earthworks of Car Dyke in Park Wood, 175m east of King Street (A15)	1009999	TF 10522 16116
Boundary cross, Old Fen Dike	1010672	TF 38103 17293
Neolithic long barrow 290m south of Cowdyke Plantation	1013906	TF 15137 94594
Castle Dyke moated site	1019097	TF 00801 14255

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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