Ackling Dyke
Ackling Dyke is a section of Roman road in England which runs for 22 mi (35 km) southwest from Old Sarum (Sorviodunum) to the hill fort at Badbury Rings (Vindocladia).
Much of the road exists as an exceptionally large embankment (agger), up to 50 ft (15 m) wide and 6 ft (1.8 m) high. This would have been visible from a great distance and must have been intended to impress the native population, as it was unnecessary from an engineering viewpoint.[1] In addition, in places the road cuts straight through prehistoric earthworks and barrows, showing the Roman attitude to the existing British social structure as well as proving to early antiquaries that barrows preceded the Roman period. At Bokerley Junction it cuts through both Bokerley Dyke and Grim's Ditch before being overlaid by the A354 turnpike. 5 km further west at Wyke Down it cuts through the Dorset Cursus.
After leaving the Salisbury suburbs, the route crosses open country throughout, and nowhere comes close to any settlement. Apart from a one-mile section of the main Salisbury - Blandford road which follows its course, the road can mostly be followed along minor lanes and tracks.
At Old Sarum the road connected with the Portway to Silchester (Calleva Atrebatum) and London; and from Badbury Rings roads led to the harbour at Hamworthy (Moriconium) and to Dorchester (Durnovaria).[2]
References
- ^ Margary, I D. Roman Roads in Britain: Volume I. Phoenix House Ltd., 1955
- ^ Map of Roman Britain, Ordnance Survey
See also
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