Prehistoric Oxfordshire Canals (Dykes)

GE Map of Prehistoric Oxfordshire Canals (Dykes)

Old Map

Geological Landscape

Landscape/Terrain

Database of DYKES (Linear Earthworks) in Oxfordshire

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

Name	HE Entry Ref:	NGF	Length (m)	Overall Width (m)	Ditch Width (m)	Bank Width (m)
Earthwork NE of Tadmarton village	1002923	SP 39865 38793
Grim's Ditch; section W of Chilton Plantation See also WEST BERKSHIRE 102	1003765	SU 46908 84722
Grim's Ditch; section 1200yds (1100m) long from Chilton Plantation to Ridge Hill See also WEST BERKSHIRE 109	1004825	SU 47679 84494
Grims Ditch; section 200yds (180m) long W of Scotch Fir Belt	1006304	SU 43548 84933
Grim's Ditch; section 600yds (550m) long on East Ginge Down	1006305	SU 44653 85436
Grim's Ditch; section on Aston Upthorpe Down	1006306	SU 53881 83270
Grim's Ditch; section S of Tile Barn	1006307	SU 45605 85578
Grim's Ditch; section 650yds (590m) long NW of Betterton Down	1006308	SU 42329 84502
North Stoke henge and ring ditch site	1006335	SU 60993 85320
Dike Hills	1006364	SU 57389 93517
Grim's Ditch; portion from Mongewell Park Lodge to S of Nuffield church	1006368	SU 65664 87237
Grim's Ditch: section W of Chilton Plantation See also OXFORDSHIRE 216	1006980	SU 46908 84722
Grim's Ditch: section 1200yds (1100m) long from Chilton Plantation to Ridge Hill See also OXFORDSHIRE 260	1006985	SU 47679 84494
Section of the north Oxfordshire Grim's Ditch and a section of Akeman Street Roman road immediately south east of North Lodge in Blenheim Great Park	1009425	SP 42728 18265
80m section of the north Oxfordshire Grim's Ditch 150m WSW of Ditchley Gate in Blenheim Park	1012897	SP 42231 18761
Section of the north Oxfordshire Grim's Ditch running east from the River Evenlode opposite Cornbury Park	1012902	SP 35949 18491
Section of the north Oxfordshire Grim's Ditch 350m ENE of Ditchley House	1012903	SP 39400 21351
380m section of the north Oxfordshire Grim's Ditch 200m ENE of Kiddington Lodge	1012904	SP 40074 21556
145m section of the north Oxfordshire Grim's Ditch situated 200m west of Grimsdyke Farm	1012905	SP 40562 21575
1km section of the north Oxfordshire Grim's Ditch running from Out Wood to Berring's Wood	1012906	SP 41265 20831
900m section of the north Oxfordshire Grim's Ditch 200m north of Grim's Dyke Farm, running north into Hark Wood	1012907	SP 42157 20132
240m section of the north Oxfordshire Grim's Ditch between Grim's Dyke Farm and the B4437 Charlbury to Woodstock road	1012908	SP 42224 18943
90m section of the north Oxfordshire Grim's Ditch 350m south of Grim's Dyke Farm	1012909	SP 42218 18869
Section of the north Oxfordshire Grim's Ditch west of Common Farm	1013236	SP 37964 12274
Section of the north Oxfordshire Grim's Ditch running into the northern edge of Shilcott Wood on the Ditchley Estate	1014578	SP 37151 21816
1100m section of the north Oxfordshire Grim's Ditch at Model Farm on the Ditchley Park Estate	1014708	SP 38173 20873	1.110	16	6.5	6.5
Linear earthworks east of Callow Hill Roman villa forming part of the north Oxfordshire Grim's Ditch	1014751	SP 41029 19301

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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