Wansdyke
The Wansdyke, a formidable earthwork snaking across southern England, holds a fascinating, yet debatable, connection to King Arthur. While its origins lie firmly in the Iron Age, long before the whispers of knights and chivalry, Arthurian legend has cast its net over this ancient barrier.
The Wansdyke itself is an impressive feat of engineering, stretching for roughly 60 kilometres (37 miles) across Wiltshire, Somerset, and Gloucestershire. Its purpose remains a topic of debate – some believe it served as a defensive barrier, while others suggest it marked a territorial boundary. Regardless of its function, the sheer scale and age of the Wansdyke have captured imaginations for centuries.
So, how does King Arthur enter the picture? Arthurian legend often depicts a Britain fragmented by warring kingdoms. The Wansdyke, with its imposing presence, might have been seen as a remnant of these conflicts, a physical barrier separating rival factions. Some localised tales even suggest the Wansdyke was built by giants under the command of Merlin, Arthur's powerful advisor.
There's also a theory, backed up by the 9th-century Historia Brittonum, that by 519 the West Saxons (who'd later form the Kingdom of Wessex) were stopped somewhere along the Hampshire/Wiltshire border. The text tells the story of the Battle of Mons Badonicus, where the Britons, supposedly led by King Arthur himself, dealt a decisive blow to the Anglo-Saxons, halting their advance for at least the next 50 years.
However, it's important to note that there's no concrete historical evidence linking the Wansdyke directly to King Arthur or Merlin. The Arthurian legends themselves emerged much later, in the medieval period, long after the Wansdyke's construction.
Despite the lack of historical proof, the association between the Wansdyke and King Arthur is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. The mystery surrounding the Wansdyke's purpose created fertile ground for legends to take root, transforming it from a historical enigma into a potential battleground of Arthurian lore.
In conclusion, the Wansdyke may not be a verifiable part of Arthurian history, but its connection to the legend speaks volumes about the enduring power of myth and the human desire to weave narratives around the unexplained. It serves as a reminder that even the most ancient structures can hold a spark of magic, if we only know the stories to listen for.
Arthurian Legend Summarised
Debatable connection to King Arthur and his conflicts.
Wansdyke's scale and age sparked imaginations.
It might have resembled a barrier separating warring kingdoms in Arthurian legends.
Based on an old story, by 519 the West Saxons were halted around the Hampshire/Wiltshire border. This story claims King Arthur led the Britons to a major victory that stopped the Anglo-Saxons for at least 50 years.
Localised tales mention giants building it under Merlin's command (Arthur's advisor).
Location
Wansdyke is situated in South West England, stretching approximately 35 miles (56 km) between the counties of Somerset and Wiltshire. The Wansdyke consists of two main sections. The eastern dyke runs along the southern edge of the Marlborough Downs in Wiltshire, between Savernake Forest, West Woods, and Morgan's Hill. The western dyke stretches from Monkton Combe in Somerset to the ancient hill fort of Maes Knoll. Sandwiched between these two dykes lies the middle section, formed by the remains of the Roman road linking London to Bath. There's some charter evidence suggesting the dyke continued westward from Maes Knoll to the Severn Estuary coast, but this is uncertain. It's possible the Wansdyke functioned as a boundary after the Roman period.
Key Geographic Facts
Coordinates: Approximately 51°24′07″N and 1°57′32″W (at Morgan's Hill.
Region: South West England, traversing the counties of Wiltshire and Somerset.
Landscape: The earthwork consists of a substantial bank and a deep north-facing ditch. It is divided into two primary sections:
Proximity to Major Cities:
Bath: The western section runs just south of the city.
Marlborough: Located near the eastern terminus.
Bristol: Maes Knoll marks the western end, roughly 5 miles (8 km) south of the city center.
Major Road: The middle section of the dyke is uniquely formed by the remains of the Roman road that ran from London to Bath (modern-day A4 corridor).
Tours that visit Wansdyke
Wansdyke (Historic UK) (Opens in new window) The Wansdyke is a mysterious 35-mile defensive earthwork stretching from Bristol to Marlborough, likely built by native Britons to halt Anglo-Saxon expansion after the Roman retreat. Its best-preserved eastern sections are frequently linked to the legendary Battle of Mons Badonicus, placing this dramatic landscape at the heart of the historic King Arthur era.
Tours that visit Wansdyke (Opens in new window) Unwind in a private chauffeured car as you explore the formidable Wansdyke with an experienced guide. Often featured alongside King Arthur sites like Stonehenge and Amesbury, this dramatic medieval earthwork can be seamlessly integrated into a bespoke tour of the UK’s most iconic and legendary destinations.
Marlborough Famously home to Merlin’s Mound, a Neolithic earthwork claimed as the wizard’s legendary burial place. This Arthurian connection extends to the nearby Wansdyke, a massive defensive frontier often associated with King Arthur’s historic battles against Saxon invaders.
Merlin's Mound A significant Neolithic monument within the grounds of Marlborough College, historically celebrated as the legendary burial place of the wizard Merlin.
