Wansdyke, Wiltshire

Brian Robert Marshall / A view along the Wansdyke from the A361, Wiltshire / CC BY-SA 2.0

As an avid traveller with a passion for exploring local history and geography, I stumbled upon a hidden gem while journeying through rural England. This fascinating site is located in the picturesque county of Wiltshire, just a few miles outside the charming market town of Devizes. It is called the Wansdyke, and it is a must-visit spot for any history enthusiast or nature lover.

The Wansdyke is a stunning earthwork that stretches for over 40 miles along the ridgeline of the Marlborough Downs, from the town of Bath in the west to Savernake Forest in the east. It is a man-made ditch and bank system that was constructed during the early medieval period, most likely around the 5th or 6th century AD. Its purpose was to serve as a boundary between the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of Wessex and Mercia, which were vying for control of this region at the time.

What makes the Wansdyke so interesting is the sheer scale and complexity of the construction. The ditch is up to 5 meters wide and 2 meters deep, while the bank rises to a height of over 2 meters. The whole structure is made up of a series of linked sections, each with its own unique characteristics. In some places, the bank is on the north side of the ditch, while in others it is on the south. There are also sections where the ditch has been filled in or ploughed over, making it difficult to discern the original structure.

Walking along the Wansdyke is an unforgettable experience. The views from the ridgeline are breath-taking, with rolling hills and lush green fields stretching out in all directions. You can follow the earthwork for miles, tracing the ancient boundary that once marked the edge of Anglo-Saxon civilization. It is easy to imagine the soldiers and settlers who once guarded this frontier, watching for any sign of enemy incursion.

One of the most striking features of the Wansdyke is the way it blends into the landscape. The earthwork is covered in grass and wildflowers, and it seems to flow seamlessly into the fields and hedgerows around it. It is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the medieval engineers who built it, and a reminder of the long and complex history of this part of England.

If you are planning a trip to rural Wiltshire, make sure to include a visit to the Wansdyke on your itinerary. It is a unique and fascinating site that will give you a glimpse into the rich and varied history of this part of England. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or just someone who appreciates a good walk, the Wansdyke is not to be missed.