Wansdyke Flipbook

Few features are as captivating as the Wansdyke in the contemplative realm of historical landscapes. Its towering presence upon the Wiltshire terrain, adjacent to the renowned Avebury, has invariably beckoned the imagination of the common folk. This proximity, while enticing, has not unfurled its enigmatic embrace to the archaeological scholars, who have persistently attempted to decode its essence. – (Wansdyke flipbook)

The connection, seemingly as inexorable as the march of time, between Wansdyke and Avebury has tantalising potential. The shared grandeur of massive ditches has hinted at a relationship, though the scholars’ torch has not illuminated the path to this revelation. Their efforts have been steadfast, aiming to unravel the riddle of this ‘linear structure.’ The prevailing narrative, forged through the crucible of the past, conjectures that this monumental edifice was constructed as a bulwark against marauding invaders, with the mantle of a Saxon origin to embellish its significance.

Yet, as time’s river winds, a reconsideration of conventional wisdom has emerged. The once unassailable truth, akin to the impregnable ramparts of the past, is now scrutinised anew. The continuous defensive rampart, upon closer inspection, reveals fissures, like the fault lines in the crust of the Earth. These fissures disrupt the seamless narrative, prompting the inception of a new theory – that of a ‘prehistoric canal’.

This theory, wrapped in a shroud of reassuring promise, advances the notion that these ancient earthen works bore witness to water rather than martial or border marker endeavours. An absence of battle-scorned remains amidst the 22 miles of Wansdyke and the 177-mile stretch of Offa’s Dike leaves the battle-defence hypothesis marooned on a metaphorical island of scepticism. This realisation uncovers a new vista like a chisel, removing layers of misconception.

Yet, amidst this scholarly voyage, there remain islands of perplexity. The Dykes, replete with the scars of incompleteness, resist easy classification as boundary markers. Their emergence, akin to the appearance of constellations in the night sky, has defied logic’s grasp. The tendrils of mystery intertwined with questions that seem to emerge like apparitions: why do these boundary markers etch their beginning and end points upon the landscape without a warrant? The echo of this query resonates across epochs, unanswered.(Wansdyke flipbook)

A symphony of scepticism further crescendos when examining the geographic tapestry. In their silent proclamation of territorial dominion, these ‘border markers’ traverse excessive expanses. The grandeur of significant rivers, echoing the pulse of nature’s handiwork, stands as a more overt marker. The irony is stark: these markers, established over years, even decades, stand as silent witnesses to the past while their purpose is shrouded in ambiguity.

In the grand theatre of scholarship, these revelations are like light cast upon a darkened stage. The archaeologists, guardians of historical truths, have overlooked the symphony of 1500+ ‘other’ scheduled Dykes that grace the British realm. A profusion of these markers, strewn across uninhabited islands, punctuates this narrative of ‘Boundary Markers.’ The paradox of these silent sentinels adorning barren shores challenges the very essence of this notion.

In this intricate dance between the past and the present, the story of Wansdyke and its ilk unfolds. Like a mosaic, it emerges piece by piece, forming patterns that intertwine reality and speculation. The journey, mirroring Bronowski’s belief in multidisciplinary exploration, invites us to ponder the landscapes of our ancestors, adorned with markers that whisper tales of ownership, defence, or something yet unfathomed. And in this contemplation, the spirit of inquiry, kindled by the enigma of Wansdyke, mirrors the enduring legacy of those who seek understanding amid the mysteries of time.(Wansdyke flipbook)

Wansdyke Flipbook

To critique archaeological theories with acuity, one must first comprehend their tenets.  The evolving narrative seeks to unravel the enigma shrouding these linear earthworks, breathing life into ancient histories etched in the soil.  Embracing a spirit of inquiry and remaining receptive to novel discoveries, we embark on a quest of unravelling the untold stories lingering within the terrain.  With each revelation, the layers of history peel back, revealing a canvas of human ingenuity, perseverance, and the grandeur of the past, etched forever in the folds of Britain’s landscape.  Archaeologists have (partially) recognised that these many earthworks are placed in strange areas for conventional explanations.  Consequently, they have attempted to split a section away from the global term earthworks and called them ‘Cross-Dykes’. (Wansdyke flipbook)

Boundary Markers

With their reliance on earthworks as territorial markers, the historical hypothesis surrounding land boundaries emerges as a thought-provoking inquiry.  Yet, as we delve deeper into the evidence, a poignant need for more compelling proof becomes evident.  Throughout history, societies have indeed relied on markers to delineate their domains, be they natural features like rivers or human-made constructs like hedgerows.  The practicality and economy of such choices are undeniable, especially when contrasted with the labour-intensive and costly endeavour of constructing extensive ditches and banks.

In the case of the renowned Offa’s Dyke, a perplexing puzzle emerges.  The border, at times, gracefully follows the course of a river, a logical and sensible demarcation.  However, the sudden shift to an earthwork set behind the same river defies easy explanation.  Such inconsistency leaves us questioning the premise of these earthworks as unequivocal markers.  The presence of inexplicable gaps in the land border only deepens the enigma, raising further doubt about the validity of the hypothesis.

We must seek coherence and reason within any historical proposition.  The current hypothesis falls short in offering a convincing rationale for this transition from river to earthwork, and it fails to address the glaring accessibility of the river as a natural and readily available boundary marker.(Wansdyke flipbook)

Figure 2 – Path of Offa’s Dyke – showing its not remotely straight

As we navigate the terrain of ancient earthworks, a commitment to rigorous scrutiny is paramount.  Only by subjecting our hypotheses to relentless examination can we hope to uncover the authentic truths that lie obscured beneath the layers of time.  In embracing a spirit of inquiry and humility, we may yet unlock the profound secrets of these age-old earthworks, shedding light on the intricate relationships between humanity and the landscapes they once inhabited.  The pursuit of understanding is a journey marked by discovery and wonder, and in this voyage, we honour the legacy of those who once shaped the contours of history upon British soil.(Wansdyke flipbook)

Defensive Features

According to the pronouncements of esteemed Historical England, discerning the precise function of ancient boundaries proves to be an intricate endeavour.  Whether they were intended for defence, stock-herding, or carrying symbolic significance remains elusive.  In truth, most boundaries likely fulfilled a mosaic of roles, their purpose evolving and adapting over time.  To presume that significant boundaries were solely for defence and smaller ones merely for livestock control would be an oversimplification of the intricate tapestry of history.

These artificial boundaries’ form, extent, and very existence offer vital clues, providing glimpses into their intended purposes.  Additionally, their construction’s social and political context can provide insightful context.  Yet, as we probe deeper into the historical narrative, it is evident that the written accounts primarily speak of Roman and Norman defence systems.  With their ingenuity, the Romans devised the “ankle breaker” ditch – a V-shaped trench with a heightened counterscape masterfully designed to ensnare attackers or thwart mounted assailants.

These ingenious Roman ditches, predominantly surface near Roman sites, are conspicuously absent from 90% of excavations across Linear Earthworks.  This absence challenges the prevailing hypothesis and prompts a reevaluation of past assumptions.  In particular, investigations into Dykes such as Offa’s have uncovered an unsettling revelation – the defensive banks, in over 10% of the alignment, face the “wrong way.” This finding raises questions about the potential bias that may have influenced the support for this theory in the past.

As the archaeological landscape evolves, a shift is subtly underway, with many archaeologists quietly distancing themselves from this 20th-century hypothesis.  The quest for truth demands unyielding inquiry, and as more mysteries come to light, the intricacies of ancient earthworks unfurl before our eyes.  In the spirit of intellectual progress, we must approach each enigma with an open mind, ever eager to shed the limitations of preconceived notions and embrace the unfolding revelations of history.(Wansdyke flipbook)

For more information about British Prehistory and other articles/books, go to our BLOG WEBSITE for daily updates or our VIDEO CHANNEL for interactive media and documentaries. The TRILOGY of books that ‘changed history’ can be found with chapter extracts at DAWN OF THE LOST CIVILISATION, THE STONEHENGE ENIGMA and THE POST-GLACIAL FLOODING HYPOTHESIS. Other associated books are also available such as 13 THINGS THAT DON’T MAKE SENSE IN HISTORY and other ‘short’ budget priced books can be found on our AUTHOR SITE. For active discussion on the findings of the TRILOGY and recent LiDAR investigations that is published on our WEBSITE you can join our FACEBOOK GROUP.

(Wansdyke flipbook)

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