Devil's Dyke and Fleam Dyke, Cambridgeshire, UK
Anglo-Saxon Defensive Earthworks Still Stand Proud
May 6, 2009
Fleam Dyke and Devil's Dyke are the third and fourth of the barriers constructed by the Saxons to impede attackers from the south-west. The other two, Brent Ditch east of Whittlesford and Bran Ditch near Haydon are almost lost. They were Constructed over the period AD410 to 600, which was a period of much upheaval and political instability, with the Saxon immigrants still fighting the remnants of the British from the Roman times. Because the Saxons only fought on foot whereas the Brits often fought on horseback, these physical defenses evened the balance considerably. In Saxon times they spanned from the marshy fens to the north-west to wooded areas in the south-east, and controlled access to the old Icknield way and Roam roads such as the one which is now followed by the modern-day A11.
Fleam Dyke
This remarkably extensive earthwork was built by the Saxons who had a stronghold in East Anglia. They constructed it as a defensive structure against attackers from the south west. As well as an archaeological treasure the chalk embankments area wildlife haven and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) managed by the Wildlife Trusts.
The earthwork itself is between 7 and 8m high, constructed as a bank and ditch to maximise its defensive value, with the ditch towards the south west where the enemy was expected. It is about 5km long, running between Fulbourn to Balsham.
Archaeological excavation in 1991 showed this to be a Saxon structure, constructed in several phases over the 5th, 6th and 7th centuries. Roman coins underneath the bank prove it to be a Saxon structure.
On the highest point of Fleam Dyke at Mutlow Hill there is the remains of a Bronze Age barrow which existed before the dyke was built.
Devil's Dyke
This is the largest of the Saxon dykes in this region, over 10 meters from the ditch to the top of the bank at Galley Hill near Burwell which is a good vantage point. It extends in a straight line for 12km from Reach to Ditton Green. It is believed that it was constructed over the late 6th to early 7th century, under the reign of King Penda of the East Angles. Like Fleam Dyke Devil's Dyke is a haven for wildlife and a SSSI.
Both of these structures are now managed both for wildlife and to minimise erosion, and make a pleasant walk. In summer the chalk grassland comes alive with wild flowers and the sound of birds and of grasshoppers and crickets on warm days which benefit from the increased biodiversity.
Location of Fleam Dyke and Devil's Dyke
Fleam Dyke and Devil's Dyke on Google Maps.
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