| Description | This section of the linear earthwork known as 'The Ridge' is part of the Aberford Dyke earthwork. Although the monument appears to be continuous, for Scheduling purposes Aberford Dyke has been divided into six sections (PRNs 1969, 6900, 6901, 6902, 6903 and 6904).
The visible remains include a scarp 3m high marking the line of the bank. This is partly natural but provides a commanding position for the bank, which has been reducd in height by ploughing. The ditch is visible to the south at the base of the scarp for part of its length. The visible section of the ditch is approximately 3m deep, but is partially infilled, as observations made during the construction of a gas pipeline have shown that the ditch is substancial, and that a buried ground surface survives below the bank. The infilled ditch is thought to survive throughout the length of the monument. This section of The Ridge is well positioned to have repelled attack from the south (English Heritage 2001).
There are a number of theoretical models that have been developed to offer possible interpretations of the Aberford Dykes. These models include, that the earthworks were defences of the British Kingdom of Elmet against the Anglo Saxons in the late sixth and early seventh centuries, were boundaries to defend the Anglo Saxon kingdom of Deira against the Mercians in the seventh century AD and a Brigantian defence against the Roman Empire in the first century AD. There is no documentary evidence for the date of the Dykes, however, and firm dating evidence is sparse. They may not all belong to one period but may relate to a number of different events. The style and construction has parallels in both the Roman and the early post Roman periods. Excavations at Field Lane (PRN 6902) retrieved pottery from deposits associated with the silting up of the ditch, that was tentatively dated to the Iron Age or early Roman period. This implies that at least parts of the Aberford Dyke System were constructed no earlier than the Iron Age (Wheelhouse 2001, 16), although it does not prove it.
Aerial photographs showing this section of Aberford Dyke reveal possible archaeological features, which may of may not be associated with the earthwork.
The Ridge, together with Becca Banks, is of impressive stature and occupies a commanding position at the top of the Magnesium Limestone Scarp.
The archive material associated with this site is housed in the 'Linear Features' archive file at the offices of the West Yorkshire Archaeology Service Advisory Service (SMR). A good discussion of the Aberford Dyke System can be found in Wheelhouse. P. 15: The Linear Earthworks in West Yorkshire Archaeology Service. 2000. A Link to the Past: The Archaeological Landscape of the M1 A1 Link Road (Forthcomming). |