Description

The monument consists of the remains of a length of Offa’s Dyke, a presumed 8th century AD defensive bank and ditch. It consists generally of a stretch of bank, with a ditch on the western side. This section is approximately 460m long, beginning at the northern end of the lane leading down to the stream, and ending at the field next but one to the Welshpool - Churchstoke Road. The dyke runs NE - SW, to the east of, and parallel to the B4388, and is crossed in the NE section by the minor road running from Forden to Kingswood. The NE section to the north of this minor road has been disturbed by a modern track. To the E of this track the dyke is visible as a low grassy mound in rough pasture. Its summit is followed by a hedge. To the west of the path the bank is very slight, again followed by a hedge and situated in improved pasture. To S of the road the dyke is visible as a low grassy mound c 2m above bottom of the ditch on the west. The scheduled area is encroached upon by private gardens. Further south the dyke bank becomes slighter, standing to a maximum height of c 1.75m above the ditch. For most of its length it is followed by a hedge.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of early medieval defensive organisation and settlement. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. A dyke may be part of a larger cluster of monuments and their importance can be further enhanced by their group value.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and the areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.

Source: Cadw