United Kingdom

New Ditch

Linear earthwork in Somerset, United Kingdom

Location

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Historical Context

About

New Ditch is a linear earthwork of possible Iron Age or Medieval construction. It partially crosses the Polden Hills in woodlands approximately 1.1 miles (1.8 km) south-west from the village of Butleigh in Somerset, England. Its construction is similar to Ponter's Ball Dyke 3 miles to the northeast, with the dyke on the south east of the embankment, but of less massive construction. Both were probably part of a more extensive defence scheme. It is nearly half a mile in length and was probably of greater extent originally, but as it stands, New Ditch cannot be termed a cross-ridge dyke although it does seem to be a boundary work. It is debatable whether this site is ancient because it is located close to a medieval woodland and a deer park.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Defensive Structures

Ditches
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Landscaped Earthworks
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference

Details

Country

United Kingdom

Coordinates

51.10° N, -2.71° E