Wansdyke
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AvonWansdyke.png
AvonWansdyke.png
Wansdyke is a dark ages defensive linear earthwork in the West Country of England. It runs from Maes Knoll, south of Bristol, to the Savernake Forest near Marlborough in Wiltshire. Its origins are unclear, but it was probably built during the 5th or 6th century. It consists of three parts of 14, 22 and 19 km long.
The name Wansdyke was later given to a district council within the County of Avon, which contains the west end of the earthwork. This was created on April 1, 1974. On April 1, 1996, it was merged along with Bath into the Bath and North East Somerset unitary authority.
The name remains as a Parliamentary constituency covering a similar but not identical area. The present MP for the area is Dan Norris.
External links
- Wansdyke Project 21 (http://www.wansdyke21.org.uk/) -- A project to preserve Wansdyke (the earthwork). Includes a FAQ (http://www.wansdyke21.org.uk/faqs.htm).