Ackling Dyke

Ackling Dyke is a section of Roman road in England which runs for 22 miles southwest from Old Sarum (Sorviodunum) to the hill fort at Badbury Rings (Vindocladia) [1]. Much of the road exists as an exceptionally large embankment, up to 50 ft wide and 6 ft high [1]. This is much wider than most Roman roads [1]. 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]. It provided a rapid transit route for soldiers across Cranborne Chase [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 [1]. At Bokerley Junction it cuts through both Bokerley Dyke and Grim's Ditch before being overlaid by a turnpike, now the A354 [1]. A series of watchtower sites have been identified along the route [1].