Bokerley Dyke

Bokerley Dyke, Bokerly Dyke, Bokerley Ditch, is a linear earthwork 5.75 kilometres long on Cranborne Chase in Dorset, partially running along the county's border with Hampshire between Woodyates and Martin [1]. It is part of a Scheduled Monument together with Grim's Ditch and other associated earthworks [1]. Bokerley Dyke was excavated by Augustus Pitt Rivers between 1888 and 1891 and by Philip Rahtz in advance of road widening in 1958 [1]. Bokerley Dyke may have originated in the Bronze Age or Early Iron Age and formed a political and cultural boundary [1]. It was cut through by a Roman Road in the 1st century [1]. In the 4th century it was remodelled and brought back into use, and excavations show that the Roman road was blocked [1]. A coin of Valens dates this activity to shortly after 364 AD [1].