Wansdyke LiDAR Flyover

Promotional video for the book transcript………………………….. Ancient prehistoric Canals (Dykes) – Wansdyke

Introduction

Wansdyke

Archaeologists and historians have proposed numerous theories regarding dykes such as Wansdyke. Initially, they believed it served as a defensive structure to protect territories from hostile tribes. However, more recent theories, influenced by the absence of evidence such as human remains from excavations, suggest it functioned as a border marker. This border hypothesis, however, can be challenged by examining the easternmost section of Wansdyke.

The Eastern Start of Wansdyke

To understand Wansdyke’s purpose, we must first consider how it might have appeared in prehistory when river levels were significantly higher than today. Research involving over 1,500 dykes in England suggests that fluctuating groundwater levels during the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods (5,000–10,000 years ago) drastically altered the landscape. This environmental context sheds light on the mysterious beginning of Wansdyke, which lies in an unassuming field.

This starting point poses a conundrum. If Wansdyke were a defensive structure, invaders could simply bypass it. Similarly, as a border marker, it appears illogical, given the seemingly arbitrary placement in what would have been “no man’s land” to the east. However, when we consider the Mesolithic water levels, this puzzle begins to make sense. At that time, the eastern end of Wansdyke likely met the shoreline of the River Kennet, acting as an artificial canal that extended across a water-covered landscape.

The Role of LiDAR in Revealing Wansdyke’s History

Using LiDAR technology, we can explore Wansdyke’s alignment with ancient water levels and examine its potential origins. Early in this examination, we observe a cluster of pits and quarries surrounding the dyke. These features suggest that the initial purpose of Wansdyke might have been related to resource extraction. Unfortunately, these pits remain largely unexcavated, leaving their significance and contents a mystery.

One particularly large quarry lies directly within Wansdyke itself. This raises questions: was it used for material extraction, or was it later adapted to access lower water levels, possibly during the Roman period when Wansdyke may have been repurposed?

Gaps and Deviations in Wansdyke’s Structure

Several gaps in Wansdyke also align with prehistoric waterlines. For example, LiDAR reveals the trace of a palaeochannel (a remnant of an ancient river) that aligns with one such gap. These interruptions suggest that Wansdyke may have originally followed natural watercourses, with later modifications to connect separate segments.

Another perplexing feature is a 90-degree bend in the dyke’s course. This sharp turn would have required substantial extra labour and makes little sense for a defensive structure or border marker. However, if we consider the Mesolithic landscape, this bend corresponds to a shoreline, indicating that Wansdyke likely extended across the river, aligning with natural contours of the water.

Connections to Other Features

Throughout Wansdyke, we see evidence of connections to other prehistoric features. A nearby long barrow, for instance, appears to have been positioned along the edge of a palaeochannel, hinting at the relationship between these earthworks and ancient water levels. Other cross-dykes, tumuli, and barrows scattered along Wansdyke further suggest a complex, evolving use of the landscape over time.

Interestingly, LiDAR reveals a potential square building over Wansdyke that does not appear on modern maps. Its characteristics suggest Roman origins, further evidence that the Romans adapted Wansdyke for their purposes.

Later Modifications and Roman Influence

In some sections, Wansdyke appears as a straight line, which contrasts with its otherwise irregular path. This straight alignment may reflect Roman engineering, as it parallels their known preference for direct routes. For instance, one stretch aligns with a Roman road, and closer inspection reveals that the road was constructed within the existing dyke’s ditch. This configuration strongly implies that Wansdyke predated the Roman road.

Historical sketches by William Stukeley in 1724 provide additional evidence, showing the Roman road cutting through Wansdyke’s embankment. This supports the argument that Wansdyke originated in prehistoric times when higher river levels would have rendered it part of a broader canal network.

Wansdyke as a Window Into Prehistoric Innovation

The idea of Wansdyke as a canal rather than a defensive or territorial feature raises intriguing questions about the ingenuity of prehistoric communities. The ability to manipulate natural waterways and integrate them with constructed earthworks demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of engineering and environmental management. Such systems would have been vital for trade, resource transportation, and sustaining settlements in an era defined by dynamic landscapes.

If Wansdyke truly functioned as part of a prehistoric canal system, it challenges traditional narratives that often downplay the complexity of Mesolithic and Neolithic societies. This perspective not only underscores the advanced capabilities of these ancient communities but also invites a re-evaluation of similar features across Britain and beyond. How many other “defensive dykes” might share this hidden history?

Implications for Archaeological Methods

The case of Wansdyke highlights the limitations of conventional archaeological approaches. Current reliance on surface-level excavations and isolated carbon dating often fails to capture the broader environmental and historical context of such structures. As demonstrated here, integrating technologies like LiDAR with hydrological and geological studies can provide transformative insights. It also emphasises the need for a multidisciplinary approach to interpreting ancient landscapes.

The neglect of quarry features around Wansdyke, for example, represents a missed opportunity to understand the resources and techniques available to its builders. Future investigations that incorporate more detailed excavation and modern technologies could yield a wealth of data to refine our understanding of Britain’s prehistoric engineering marvels.

A Legacy of Adaptation and Innovation

Wansdyke’s story is one of adaptation. From its hypothesised origins as a Mesolithic canal to later modifications by Roman and possibly Saxon cultures, the dyke exemplifies how ancient peoples repurposed and transformed existing structures to meet evolving needs. Whether as a waterway, resource hub, or trade route, Wansdyke stands as a testament to humanity’s ability to innovate and endure across millennia.

By situating Wansdyke within the broader prehistoric context, we move closer to understanding its original purpose and the sophisticated societies that shaped Britain’s ancient landscapes. Its winding paths, mysterious interruptions, and enduring presence remind us that history is not static but a tapestry woven from the ingenuity and adaptability of countless generations.

Exploring Prehistoric Britain: A Journey Through Time

My blog delves into the fascinating mysteries of prehistoric Britain, challenging conventional narratives and offering fresh perspectives based on cutting-edge research, particularly using LiDAR technology. I invite you to explore some key areas of my research. For example, the Wansdyke, often cited as a defensive structure, is re-examined in light of new evidence. I’ve presented my findings in my blog post Wansdyke: A British Frontier Wall – ‘Debunked’, and a Wansdyke LiDAR Flyover video further visualizes my conclusions.

My work also often challenges established archaeological dogma. I argue that many sites, such as Hambledon Hill, commonly identified as Iron Age hillforts are not what they seem. My posts Lidar Investigation Hambledon Hill – NOT an ‘Iron Age Fort’ and Unmasking the “Iron Age Hillfort” Myth explore these ideas in detail and offer an alternative view. Similarly, sites like Cissbury Ring and White Sheet Camp, also receive a re-evaluation based on LiDAR analysis in my posts Lidar Investigation Cissbury Ring through time and Lidar Investigation White Sheet Camp, revealing fascinating insights into their true purpose. I have also examined South Cadbury Castle, often linked to the mythical Camelot56.

My research also extends to the topic of ancient water management, including the role of canals and other linear earthworks. I have discussed the true origins of Car Dyke in multiple posts including Car Dyke – ABC News PodCast and Lidar Investigation Car Dyke – North Section, suggesting a Mesolithic origin2357. I also explore the misidentification of Roman aqueducts, as seen in my posts on the Great Chesters (Roman) Aqueduct. My research has also been greatly informed by my post-glacial flooding hypothesis which has helped to inform the landscape transformations over time. I have discussed this hypothesis in several posts including AI now supports my Post-Glacial Flooding Hypothesis and Exploring Britain’s Flooded Past: A Personal Journey

Finally, my blog also investigates prehistoric burial practices, as seen in Prehistoric Burial Practices of Britain and explores the mystery of Pillow Mounds, often mistaken for medieval rabbit warrens, but with a potential link to Bronze Age cremation in my posts: Pillow Mounds: A Bronze Age Legacy of Cremation? and The Mystery of Pillow Mounds: Are They Really Medieval Rabbit Warrens?. My research also includes the astronomical insights of ancient sites, for example, in Rediscovering the Winter Solstice: The Original Winter Festival. I also review new information about the construction of Stonehenge in The Stonehenge Enigma

Further Reading

For those interested in British Prehistory, visit www.prehistoric-britain.co.uk, a comprehensive resource featuring an extensive collection of archaeology articles, modern LiDAR investigations, and groundbreaking research. The site also includes insights and extracts from the acclaimed Robert John Langdon Trilogy, a series of books exploring Britain during the Prehistoric period. Titles in the trilogy include The Stonehenge Enigma, Dawn of the Lost Civilisation, and The Post Glacial Flooding Hypothesis, offering compelling evidence about ancient landscapes shaped by post-glacial flooding.

To further explore these topics, Robert John Langdon has developed a dedicated YouTube channel featuring over 100 video documentaries and investigations that complement the trilogy. Notable discoveries and studies showcased on the channel include 13 Things that Don’t Make Sense in History and the revelation of Silbury Avenue – The Lost Stone Avenue, a rediscovered prehistoric feature at Avebury, Wiltshire.

In addition to his main works, Langdon has released a series of shorter, accessible publications, ideal for readers delving into specific topics. These include:

• The Ancient Mariners
• Stonehenge Built 8300 BCE
• Old Sarum
• Prehistoric Rivers
• Dykes, Ditches, and Earthworks
• Echoes of Atlantis
• Homo Superior
• 13 Things that Don’t Make Sense in History
• Silbury Avenue – The Lost Stone Avenue
• Offa’s Dyke
• The Stonehenge Enigma
• The Post-Glacial Flooding Hypothesis
• The Stonehenge Hoax
• Dawn of the Lost Civilisation
• Darwin’s Children
• Great Chester’s Roman Aqueduct
• Wansdyke

For active discussions and updates on the trilogy’s findings and recent LiDAR investigations, join our vibrant community on Facebook. Engage with like-minded enthusiasts by leaving a message or contributing to debates in our Facebook Group.

Whether through the books, the website, or interactive videos, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of Britain’s fascinating prehistoric past. We encourage you to explore these resources and uncover the mysteries of ancient landscapes through the lens of modern archaeology.

For more information, including chapter extracts and related publications, visit the Robert John Langdon Author Page. Dive into works such as The Stonehenge Enigma or Dawn of the Lost Civilisation, and explore cutting-edge theories that challenge traditional historical narratives.

Other Blogs