Cross Dyke

Heritage Site in Kent Sevenoaks

England

Cross Dyke

Clacket Lane Anticlockwise The only services on the M25 and not accessible from other roads. There is the site of a Roman villa nearby and finds made during construction are on display in both the anticlockwise (eastbound) and clockwise (westbound) buildings. Clacket Lane itself runs south from the Pilgrims&#039; Way, crossing the motorway near the services and joining the A25 about 1km further on. — Clacket Lane Anticlockwise Credit: Penny Mayes

Cross Dyke is an ancient earthwork located in the county of Kent, England. It is a significant heritage site that holds immense historical and archaeological value. The earthwork stretches for approximately 400 meters, running east to west across the countryside near the village of Ospringe.

Believed to have been constructed during the Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age, Cross Dyke consists of a substantial bank and ditch combination. The bank measures around 5 meters in width and stands at a height of 1.5 meters, while the ditch is approximately 4 meters wide and 1.2 meters deep. The earthwork is well-preserved, with the original construction materials still visible.

The purpose of Cross Dyke remains uncertain, although it is generally believed to have served as a territorial boundary or a defensive structure. Its strategic position on high ground suggests it may have been used to control movement along the ancient trackways that crisscrossed the landscape. The site's location also provides commanding views of the surrounding countryside, further supporting its potential defensive function.

Excavations conducted in the early 20th century uncovered flint tools, pottery fragments, and animal bones, giving insight into the activities that took place at Cross Dyke during its occupation. These findings indicate that the site was likely used for habitation or as a gathering place for the local community.

Cross Dyke's historical significance, coupled with its well-preserved state, makes it an important heritage site in Kent. It offers a glimpse into the region's ancient past and provides valuable information for archaeologists and historians studying the prehistoric period.

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Cross Dyke Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.262/0.057 or Grid Reference TQ4353. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Clacket Lane Anticlockwise

The only services on the M25 and not accessible from other roads. There is the site of a Roman villa nearby and finds made during construction are on display in both the anticlockwise (eastbound) and clockwise (westbound) buildings. Clacket Lane itself runs south from the Pilgrims' Way, crossing the motorway near the services and joining the A25 about 1km further on.

Penny Mayes

Westerham and Winston Churchill

The green at Westerham is presided over by Winston who lived at Chartwell, just a few miles away. The far statue is of General James Wolf who lived at Quebec House.

Nigel Freeman

Hosey Common

To the left is French Street, and straight ahead is the road that takes you to Chartwell, the former home of Winston Churchill

Nigel Freeman

Hosey Common signpost

Nigel Freeman

Squerryes Court, Westerham, Kent

Squerryes Court is a beautiful 17th century manor house which has been the Warde family home since 1731. It is surrounded by 20 acres of attractive and historic gardens which include a lake, restored parterres and an 18th century dovecote. The house contains a fine collection of Old Master paintings from the Italian, 17th century Dutch and 18th century English schools, furniture, porcelain and tapestries.

Philip Talmage

Dovecote at Squerryes Court, Westerham, Kent

Interior wide-angle view of the 18th century dovecote, used to raise "squabs" (fledgling pigeons) with which to feed the household.

Philip Talmage

St Andrew's Church at Limpsfield Chart

Modest but nevertheless a well proportioned church

Nigel Freeman

Cricket Pitch near Limpsfield Chart

The quintessential English summer Sunday scene.

Richard Mascall

In Squerryes Park

Walking through the park with Tower Woods to the left

Chris Heaton

M25 bridge over B2024 (Croydon Road), Westerham

Although the M25 passes very close to Westerham, there is no direct connection. Slip roads were originally planned at this point, but were never built. Whether this was to save money, or to preserve the sanity of the Westerham population, is not recorded.

Dr Neil Clifton

Footpath through Hosey Common

This ancient common is, in modern times, almost completely wooded, with beech, maple and hornbeam prominent among the many species. Peaceful pathways, as seen here, run through the wood and, mercifully, there is no evidence of abuse by dog or horse owners here.

Dr Neil Clifton

Driveway to Crockham House, Kent

Crockham House is a large country house in its own extensive grounds. It is just under a mile north of Crockham Hill village. It is not open to the public.

Dr Neil Clifton

No right of way!

According to the 1:25000 OS map, this footpath is not a right of way of any kind. However, there is ample evidence of use by walkers and cyclists, and even a few hoof-marks. This photograph is taken looking eastwards from the point where it intersects a public bridleway running north-south.

Dr Neil Clifton

Goodley Stock Road, near Crockham Hill, Kent

Goodley Stock Road is an unclassified but useful cut-off road linking the B269 back to Westerham, passing Squerryes Court on the way. On the west side there are a number of very large private houses.

Dr Neil Clifton

Dutch barn, Lodge Wood Estate, near Westerham, Kent

This farm stands on the opposite side of the road to Squerryes Court.

Dr Neil Clifton

The Grasshopper, Limpsfield, Surrey

We are on the A25, and have crossed the border into Surrey here - by about 300 yards - to be confronted by this enormous road house. Hardly the place to enjoy a contemplative pint, it no doubt serves some sections of the community.

Dr Neil Clifton