Reasons for Designation
Cross dykes are substantial linear earthworks typically between 0.2km and 1km
long and comprising one or more ditches arranged beside and parallel to one or
more banks. They generally occur in upland situations, running across ridges
and spurs. They are recognised as earthworks or as cropmarks on aerial
photographs, or as combinations of both. The evidence of excavation and
analogy with associated monuments demonstrates that their construction spans
the millennium from the Middle Bronze Age, although they may have been re-used
later. Current information favours the view that they were used as territorial
boundary markers, probably demarcating land allotment within communities,
although they may also have been used as trackways, cattle droveways or
defensive earthworks. Cross dykes are one of the few monument types which
illustrate how land was divided up in the prehistoric period. They are of
considerable importance for any analysis of settlement and land use in the
Bronze Age. Very few have survived to the present day and hence all well-
preserved examples are considered to be of national importance.
Details
The monument includes a later prehistoric cross dyke situated on Bell Hill. It
is aligned south west-north east across the spine of a spur which slopes down
to the north, and occupies a prominent position, but is situated below the
crest of the hill. It is one of four similar sites situated on the edge of the
plateau, possibly associated with the broadly contemporary settlement at
Ringmoor, 850m to the south east. The other sites are the subjects of separate
schedulings.
The cross dyke is 70m long and has a bank 8m wide and 1m high with a ditch on
its uphill, southern side, 5m wide and up to 1m deep. At both ends the dyke
runs out short of the shoulder of the spur and the eastern end is cut by the
ditch of a modern hedge. The dyke has been truncated near its centre by a
former track, now a public right of way.
All fence posts are excluded from the scheduling, although the ground beneath
them is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
33543
Legacy System:
RSM
End of official list entry
