New Ditch

New Ditch is a linear earthwork of possible Iron Age or Medieval construction.[2] It partially crosses the Polden Hills in woodlands approximately 1.1 miles (1.8 km) south-west from the village of Butleigh in Somerset, England.

New Ditch
LocationButleigh, Somerset, England
Coordinates51°05′47″N 2°42′37″W
Reference no.Somerset 447[1]
Location of New Ditch in Somerset

Its construction is similar to Ponter's Ball Dyke 3 miles to the northeast, with the dyke on the south east of the embankment, but of less massive construction. Both were probably part of a more extensive defence scheme. It is nearly half a mile in length and was probably of greater extent originally, but as it stands, New Ditch cannot be termed a cross-ridge dyke although it does seem to be a boundary work.[2]

It is debatable whether this site is ancient because it is located close to a medieval woodland and a deer park.[1][3]

References
  1. "New Ditch, Butleigh Wood, Butleigh". Somerset Historic Environment Record. Somerset County Council. Retrieved 15 January 2011.
  2. "New Ditch". PastScape. English Heritage. Retrieved 15 April 2011.
  3. "Excavation of a Romano-British Site, Butleigh" (PDF). Absolute Archaeology. Retrieved 14 April 2011.
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