DisgrifiadA cross-ridge dyke approximately 600m long north east-south west, of which the 200m at the north east end crosses the open common. (The remainder is in a field and a forestry plantation.) It spans the ridge of ground forming the border of Beguildy and Llangunllo parishes (and modern Communities). The north east end terminates at SO 19165 75049 above a deep stream valley in the same alignment, which effectively continues the barrier for a further 200m. At this end the bank is 5m wide at the base and 1.7m high. Further south west (uphill), towards the ridge the bank is 4m wide and 1.5m high, with a deep ditch on the west side. At the highest point, adjacent to the boundary of the common, a track (nprn 244289) of the C19 if not earlier is cut through the bank and ditch. However, the bank and ditch have also been cut through by modern vehicles, and by scrambling bikes, which have left exposed the earth and shale rubble core.
Organic sample from a possible turf layer at the base of the bank gave a Conventional Radiocarbon Age of 1560 ? 40 BP, Calibrated Date AD 410-590. Given its obvious defensive limitations it has been argued that the ditch forms an administrative boundary, in an attempt at strict definition local jurisdiction following the collapse of Roman administration.
Source: R Hankinson and A Caseldine, 'Short Dykes in powys and their Origins' Archaeological Journal, 163 (2006), 266-69.
H Burnham, Clwyd and Powys (1995), 118-19.
Recorded as part of Uplands Initiative Survey.
R Hayman, H&H, 20/08/08.
