Prehistoric Yorkshire Canals (Dykes)

GE Map of Prehistoric Yorkshire Canals (Dykes)

Old Map

Geological Landscape

Landscape/Terrain

Database of DYKES (Linear Earthworks) in Yorkshire

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

Name	HE Entry Ref:	NGF
Dyke 220yds (200m) W of Dyke House	1004043	SE 03680 98557
Dyke 270yds (250m) E of Dyke House	1004044	SE 04322 98440
Fortress Dyke camp	1004081	SE 17891 73178
Boundary dyke W of Capon Hall	1004115	SD 86400 66894
Double dykes on Painter Rigg	1004175	SE 57887 80439
Canklow Hill earthworks	1004818	SK 43392 90405
Double Dyke	1004834	SK 54863 97890
The Three Dykes (or Five Riggs)	1004911	SE 80460 68963
Earthwork on the Sheepwalk stretching N from Wold Gate for 530yds (480m)	1005223	TA 09937 66110
Argam dykes	1005234	TA 10271 68967
A cross-dyke from Birdsall Brow to Vessey Pasture Dale incorporating two bowl barrows and a cross-dyke extending from Water Dale	1007444	SE 82544 62317
Aldro earthworks: a cross-dyke on Birdsall Wold, 400m east of Aldro Farm	1007455	SE 81275 62771
Aldro earthworks: two linear boundaries and a bowl barrow on Birdsall Wold, south of Aldro Farm	1007469	SE 80703 62746
Aldro earthworks: a cross-dyke on Birdsall Wold, 200m west of Brown Moor Farm	1007485	SE 80707 62149
Aldro earthworks: a bowl barrow on Hanging Grimston Wold 100m west of Stone Sleights Farm	1007497	SE 80252 61689
Aldro earthworks: a bowl barrow on Hanging Grimston Wold 50m north-west of Stone Sleights Farm	1007498	SE 80342 61722
Aldro earthworks: a cross-dyke on Hanging Grimston Wold, 350m south-east of Brown Moor Farm	1007499	SE 81233 61875
Aldro earthworks: a linear boundary, two cross-dykes and nine round barrows on Birdsall Wold	1007500	SE 80429 63250
Four bowl barrows and parts of two linear boundary earthworks and a cross-dyke 750m west of Wharram Percy Farm	1007535	SE 83788 63503
A cross-dyke in Vessey Pasture Dale	1007612	SE 83314 62279
A cross-dyke on Birdsall Brow	1007613	SE 82643 63389
A cross-dyke from Toisland Wold to Vessey Pasture Dale incorporating a bowl barrow	1007614	SE 83483 62531
Linear earthwork running from the head of Warren Dale towards Sledmere Field Farm and associated settlement site	1007736	SE 94647 61478
Linear earthwork north east of Collingwood Farm	1007862	SE 95494 66306
Section of linear earthwork 200m north east of Pasture Cottages	1007863	SE 97482 67907
Section of linear earthwork in Pasture Plantation	1007864	SE 98024 68324
The Queen Dike: part of a cross-dyke 600m east of Wold Farm	1007919	SE 81039 61250
Two linear earthworks on Row Brow which extend into Raincliffe Woods	1008131	TA 00580 88360
Section of linear earthwork on Seamer Moor Hill	1008135	TA 01625 86677
A cross dyke on Knapton Wold, 500m west of West Farm	1008381	SE 89082 74415
Hanging Grimston barrow group: four bowl barrows and part of a cross dyke 600m SSW of Thixendale Grange	1008484	SE 81596 60315
Castle Dykes Henge	1008878	SD 98231 87289
Pit alignment forming part of the Cleave Dyke system 1000m north west of Dialstone Farm	1010345	SE 51133 85006
Group of round barrows and cross ridge dyke at Sunny Bank	1010528	SE 52725 89298
Section of the Cleave Dyke system on Arden Little Moor	1010532	SE 49280 90163
Section of the Cleave Dyke system on Arden Little Moor known as Steeple Cross Dyke including the Steeple Cross boundary stone	1010533	SE 50262 90348
Section of the Cleave Dyke system near High Barn	1010534	SE 50713 86665
Maiden Bower and Cock Lodge: a motte and bailey castle, moated site, windmill mound and associated linear outwork	1011612	SE 40844 75134
Deepdale cross ridge dyke	1011913	SE 84344 51378
Linear earthwork to the NW of the junction of the A171 and the road leading to Fylingthorpe	1011961	NZ 92202 04629
Linear earthwork south east of the junction of the A171 and the road leading to Fylingthorpe	1011971	NZ 92267 04513
Tor Dike linear earthwork	1012003	SD 98136 75477
Linear earthwork at High Harker Hill	1012602	SE 02368 97045
Linear earthwork at Harker Mires	1012617	SE 03863 97427
Section of the Cleave Dyke system, known as the Casten Dike, 300m ENE of Hambleton Inn	1012743	SE 52637 83152
Section of the Cleave Dyke system 45m east of the visitors' centre at Sutton Bank	1012745	SE 51687 83090
Section of Cleave Dyke, 1.4km long from Sneck Yate Plantation to east edge of Town's Pasture Wood including two pit alignments and round barrow	1012746	SE 50830 86510
Two sections of the Cleave Dyke system, one known as the Casten Dike, and a round barrow south of Kilburn Moor Plantation	1012992	SE 51882 82749
Section of the Cleave Dyke system 200m south east of Yorkshire Gliding Club	1012993	SE 51951 81631
Section of Danes' Dyke between the Cliff Plantation and the B1255	1013191	TA 21523 69753
Section of the Danes' Dyke between the B1255 and B1229 roads	1013192	TA 21386 70224
Section of Danes' Dyke from the B1229 north to Wold Farm field boundary	1013193	TA 21251 71395
Northern section of the Danes' Dyke from Wold Farm field boundary to Bempton Cliffs	1013194	TA 21309 72326
Section of Scots Dyke linear boundary in Low Wood, Langdale	1013303	NZ 19489 09620
Section of Scots Dyke linear boundary 235m south of Stanwick Hall Reservoir	1013304	NZ 19739 09148
Section of Scots Dyke linear boundary 250m north of Langdale	1013306	NZ 19498 10147
Byland Abbey Cistercian monastery: monastic precinct, water-management earthworks, enclosures, ancillary buildings and quarries	1013403	SE 54679 79184
Section of cross ridge dyke and earthworks in Roman Plantation, Oulston Moor	1013438	SE 56392 74868
Section of cross ridge dyke and hollow way 200m north west of Pond Head Farm	1013439	SE 56463 74678
Section of the Cleave Dyke system known as the Kepwick Dyke on Arden Little Moor	1013591	SE 49460 90697
Cross dyke in Scarrish Wood	1013695	SE 72391 72647
Linear dyke extending for 2.2km in Coneysthorpe Banks Wood	1013696	SE 72758 72130
Linear dyke extending for 2.1km from Fryton West Wood to Slingsby Banks Wood	1013697	SE 69350 73260
Section of Scots Dyke linear boundary and portion of field system 100m east of Whitefields Farm	1013777	NZ 18578 01243
Section of Scots Dyke linear boundary 75m south west of Sandford House	1013778	NZ 18231 00856
Section of Scots Dyke linear boundary running south from Olliver East for 550m	1013779	NZ 18674 02886
Section of Scots Dyke linear boundary 150m ENE of Olliver	1013780	NZ 18731 03217
Section of Scots Dyke linear boundary east of Langdale Rush	1014240	NZ 19722 09392
Cairnfield, enclosures, boulder walling, hollow way and carved rocks towards edge of Snowden Carr centred at 370m south east of Crag House	1014304	SE 17832 51283
Cross dyke 850m WSW of Baysdale Farm	1014373	NZ 60750 06650
Section of Scots Dike linear boundary south of Kirklands Farm	1014797	NZ 19268 05896
Section of Scots Dike linear boundary north of Kirklands Farm	1014798	NZ 19455 06329
Section of Scots Dike linear boundary north west of High Merrybent	1014799	NZ 19503 06999
Cross ridge dyke north of North Ings Slack and west of Hob on the Hill tumulus	1015266	NZ 64523 12103
Section of the Scots Dyke linear boundary 250m south east of St Martin's Priory	1015516	NZ 17960 00592
Section of linear boundary dyke in and extending to the north west of Farclose Plantation towards Waterman Hole	1015559	SE 85979 56514
Sections of single and multiple linear boundary dykes on Huggate Pasture and Frendal Dale	1015560	SE 85774 55899
Sections of linear boundary dyke in Frendal Dale, Tun Dale, and Great Plantation, between Millington and Huggate Wolds	1015561	SE 85386 55518
Section of single linear boundary dyke in Great Plantation, Greenwick Dale, 250m east of East Greenwick Farm	1015562	SE 85530 56703
Section of single linear boundary dyke in Stable Plantation, Greenwick Dale, 400m south west of East Greenwick Farm	1015563	SE 84995 56428
Section of single linear boundary dyke east of York Lane, south east of Farclose Plantation	1015564	SE 86422 56096
Section of single linear boundary dyke in Horse Dale, 550m north west of Glebe Farm	1015565	SE 87104 56314
Section of a single and double linear boundary dyke in Horse Dale, and the junctions of Holm Dale and Harper Dale, north west of Northfield Farm	1015566	SE 88155 56966
Sections of linear boundary dyke in Harper Dale and Holm Dale, north east of Horsedale Plantation	1015567	SE 88276 57700
Section of linear boundary dyke in Harper Dale Plantation north east of Northfield Farm	1015568	SE 89337 57614
Section of linear boundary dyke south of Middleham Plantation and Harper Dale Plantation	1015569	SE 90199 58215
Sections of linear boundary dyke in Cow Dale Plantation, Rabbit Dale and Oxland Plantation	1015570	SE 90733 57838
Section of linear boundary dyke on Cow Moor, Millington Dale	1015571	SE 84730 53667
Section of double linear boundary dyke west of Far Out Field, Millington Wold	1015572	SE 83874 55668
Section of double linear boundary dyke 300m north east of Millington Grange Farm	1015573	SE 83519 55118
Section of linear boundary dyke on Millington Lings 625m north east of High Callis Wold	1015574	SE 83645 56230
Section of the Cleave Dyke system known as Hesketh Dike and Silver Hill round barrow	1015575	SE 51305 87793
Pit alignment, part of the Cleave Dyke prehistoric boundary system and round barrow 450m south east of High Paradise	1015576	SE 50615 88363
Section of linear boundary dyke 160m west of High Callis Wold Farm	1015609	SE 83012 55735
Section of linear boundary dyke 390m west of South Wold Farm	1015610	SE 81601 57106
Sections of multiple linear dykes 125m south west of Cot Nab Farm	1015611	SE 81632 56767
Urra Moor prehistoric linear boundary on the western edge of Urra Moor	1015955	NZ 57739 02048
Section of linear boundary dyke between Sylvan Dale and Warren Farm, north west of Coldwold Farm	1016191	SE 84387 52279
Grinton ore hearth lead smelt mill, flue, fuel store and associated earthworks	1016203	SE 05016 96480
Cross dyke 600m north west of Easthorpe Farm	1016261	SE 72925 72114
Length of linear earthworks known as Becca Banks and The Ridge, part of the Aberford Dyke system, between Aberford and a quarry 590m north of Ass Bridge	1016951	SE 42029 38164
Length of linear earthwork, part of the Aberford Dyke system, at Green Hill between Aberford and the Aberford By-pass	1016952	SE 43499 37685
Linear earthwork, part of the Aberford Dyke system, extending 770m east from Humphrey Dale Cottage	1016953	SE 44206 38131
Linear earthworks known as Woodhouse Moor Rein and South Dyke, part of the Aberford Dyke system	1016954	SE 44490 37171
Cross dyke on Gerrick Moor, 690m north west of Black Beck Swang	1016992	NZ 70328 11403
The Moor Dikes and Craddlegrip Dike prehistoric linear boundaries and other prehistoric remains in Wykeham Forest	1017164	SE 96079 86875
Prehistoric linear boundary in Craddlegrip Wood, 900m north west of High Yedmandale	1017165	SE 96523 87394
Pit alignment on Black Dike Moor, 800m south west of Nan Stone	1017305	NZ 74473 10662
The Bar Dyke linear earthwork	1017508	SK 24622 94606
Section of the Scots Dyke linear boundary 225m south of St Martin's Priory	1018143	NZ 17777 00530
Late prehistoric enclosed settlement known as Round Dykes Camp on Addingham Low Moor	1018259	SE 05518 50121
Late prehistoric enclosed settlement with an outlying bank and ditch on Counter Hill, 220m north east of Moorcock Hall	1018260	SE 04782 49869
Ewden Beck round barrow cemetery and cross-dyke	1018590	SK 23565 96325
Blackpark cross dyke and standing stone, 330m north east of Blackpark Lodge	1018594	SE 75319 91034
Nutholm cross dyke, 100m south of Appleton Mill Farm	1018596	SE 74638 87747
Fall Rigg cross dyke and round barrow, 710m north of Sycamore Farm	1018599	SE 75820 90170
High Stone Dike, southern of two cross dykes on Castleton Rigg	1018770	NZ 68207 03985
Northern of two cross dykes on Castleton Rigg, 600m north west of Stormy Hall	1018771	NZ 68318 04737
Hart Leap cross dyke on Glaisdale Rigg, 240m and 410m north of Highdale Farm	1018772	NZ 73504 03474
Danby Rigg cairnfields, cross dykes, funerary monuments and associated features	1018782	NZ 70922 06384
Length of Grim's Ditch immediately north of Gamblethorpe	1018791	SE 37489 30512
Length of Grim's Ditch partly under Bullerthorpe Lane 620m north of Gamblethorpe	1018792	SE 37514 31062
Length of Grim's Ditch extending 1.4km from a point 70m south of Cotton Road East to the south east corner of Avenue Wood	1018793	SE 37510 31981
Length of Grim's Ditch from Cotton Road East to the A63, Colton Common	1018794	SE 37592 32985
Length of Grim's Ditch immediately east of Barrowby Road	1018795	SE 37607 33438
Cross dyke on Glaisdale Rigg, 520m and 250m west of Highdale Farm	1018842	NZ 72954 03251
Length of linear earthwork known as The Ridge, part of the Aberford Dyke system, 560m east of Potterton Bridge	1018953	SE 40811 38045
Dyke at the north eastern end of Stone Bridge Howl, 760m north west of Court House Farm	1019339	SE 59167 82360
Linear boundary earthwork 370m east of Oscar Park Farm	1019340	SE 57872 87644
Linear dyke known as Double Dikes, in Waterloo Plantation	1019346	SE 58412 81558
Northern section of prehistoric linear boundary with intersecting hollow ways, known as Rise Dikes, in Wykeham Forest	1019368	SE 94169 86711
Southern section of prehistoric linear boundary known as Rise Dikes, in Wykeham Forest	1019372	SE 94006 86427
Embanked pit alignments, linear earthworks, round barrows and cairns on Ebberston Low Moor	1019601	SE 90485 89752
The Thieves' Dikes: prehistoric linear boundaries and associated features	1019627	SE 97232 92942
Cross ridge dyke known as Gallows Dike and three round barrows 330m south west of Glebe Farm	1019750	SE 84877 94071
Prehistoric cross dyke 980m west of Foulsike Farm including a standing stone known as Old Wife's Neck	1019754	NZ 90339 02179
Cross dyke in Cloughton Plantations, 550m and 890m north east of Gowland Farm	1019772	SE 99619 96123
Length of linear earthwork, part of the Aberford Dyke system, at Field Lane between the Aberford By-pass and Humphrey Dale Cottage	1019873	SE 43741 37910
Horn Ridge cross dyke, cairnfield, round cairn and prehistoric hut circles	1019969	SE 66009 96306
Section of Cleave Dyke prehistoric boundary on Hambleton Down and World War II bombing decoy shelters north east and north of Garbutt Farm	1020105	SE 51296 84488
Medieval dyke known as Green Dike	1020116	NZ 97000 00538
Prehistoric dyke known as Horcum Dike	1020117	SE 84841 93020
Medieval dyke known as War Dike	1020118	SE 99438 99960
Prehistoric linear boundary in Dalby Forest, known as Dargate Dikes	1020212	SE 89463 91221
Embanked pit alignment 130m south and 310m SSE of Jingleby House	1020217	SE 89341 89408
Prehistoric linear boundary known as Snainton Dikes, 740m east of Ebberston Common House	1020299	SE 90750 89138
Medieval manorial complex, garden and water management features, St Mary's chapel, and a linear earthwork forming part of the Aberford Dyke system	1020326	SE 46251 36791
Section of linear boundary in Dalby Forest, 630m north west of Jingleby Tower	1020335	SE 88393 89530
Two intersecting linear boundaries in Dalby Forest, immediately west of Jingleby Tower	1020336	SE 88649 89064
Cross dyke 900m west of Backleys Farm	1020534	SE 91856 90348
Part of a cross dyke with associated warrening features, 850m south east of High Rigg Farm	1020651	SE 86992 88223
Prehistoric linear boundary on Stonygate Moor, 550m west of Warren House Farm	1020695	SE 86893 84608
Prehistoric linear boundary in Ellerburn Wood, 370m north west of St Hilda's Church	1020696	SE 83986 84481
Two prehistoric linear boundaries with associated features, 680m ESE and 880m NNE of Pexton Moor Farm	1020699	SE 85095 84759
Three embanked pit alignments and segments of a linear boundary and a medieval hollow way, 300m west of Givendale Head Farm	1020830	SE 88992 87480
Oxmoor and Givendale Dikes: prehistoric linear boundaries and associated features	1020834	SE 89723 87364
Scamridge Dikes: prehistoric linear boundaries and associated features	1020835	SE 89634 85516
Prehistoric linear boundary and associated features including a medieval monastic grange, north, east and south east of Moorsome Farm	1020836	SE 91426 85384
Prehistoric linear boundary and associated features centred 500m north east of High Bride Stones	1021099	SE 87501 91979
East Toft Dike: a cross dyke 720m south and 680m south west of Little Marfit Head	1021100	SE 85265 92156
Cross dyke on Far Black Rigg, 1060m north west of Black Dale Bridge	1021101	SE 84270 92022
Cross dyke on Saltergate Brow, 750m south east of Barr Farm	1021166	SE 85871 94356
Cross dyke centred 480m south of Fox and Rabbit Farm	1021170	SE 84385 87750
Two segments of a prehistoric linear boundary 530m north and 200m north east of Beacon Farm	1021236	TA 01006 87380
Skell Dikes: a prehistoric linear boundary with two associated round barrows and an adjoining pit alignment	1021238	SE 99312 87178
Kirby Bank Trod, a section of paved trackway extending 400m southwards from just east of The Warren	1405913	NZ5419103775

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?

For more information click HERE