Reasons for Designation
Prehistoric linear boundaries are man-made features comprising single or
multiple ditches and banks which continue far distances varying between less
than 1km to over 10km. Examples vary in date ranging from the Middle Bronze
Age through to the end of the Iron Age. Although not uncommon nationally,
linear boundaries are rare in many areas of the country and appear clustered
in others, concentrations for example occurring in Wessex, Bedfordshire,
north-east Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Wolds and Cumbria. They are rarely found
in isolation and often occur as part of a wider system covering large areas of
the countryside. Prehistoric linear boundaries are thought to represent
territorial divisions used by societies practising pastoralism and
agriculture.
The linear boundary on Whitmoor Common survives well as an isolated example
and contains archaeological and environmental remains relating to the monument
and the landscape in which it was constructed. Some of the monument is
situated in a waterlogged area where organic remains may survive. Such
evidence would be unusual and may provide a valuable insight into the economy
and environmental conditions in the area during the Bronze Age period. The
association of the linear earthwork with two Bronze Age burial mounds provides
information about land division and its relationship to burial in this area
during later prehistory.
Details
The monument includes a 400m long linear boundary, comprising a ditch and two
banks, aligned NNW-SSE and situated in an area of heathland on Bagshot sands
and gravels.
The ditch, which is 6m wide, has become partially infilled over the years and
survives to its deepest at the southern end where it is 0.7m deep. The larger
of the two banks runs along the western edge of the ditch and survives up to
0.4m high and 5m wide. On the east is a slighter bank which survives to 0.2m
high and 3m wide.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
20200
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals
Legal
This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. This entry is a copy, the original is held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
End of official list entry
