Unearthing Suffolk’s Black Ditches

We’ve been out in the field researching the Black Ditches at Risby in Suffolk, the most easterly of 5 such dykes and ditches that stretch out across the Suffolk and Cambridgeshire landscape.

The Black Ditches are believed to have been up to a staggering 4.5 miles in length, yet their origin, date and purpose remains somewhat unclear. Described as either Roman sewers or more typically as being built in the late 6th century as a defensive measure against invasion and designed to protect the ancient Icknield Way, a key line of communication and transport at the time.

However, this standard military and defensive interpretation for many such ancient linear earthworks is now being called into question. New research suggests that these linear monuments are far older, potenitially early Iron Age, and formed part of a ritual landscape that was dotted along their course with sacred sites, springs, burial mounds and temples, often having heath and woodland at their southern ends with springs and votive offering sites at their northern point.

We are currently preparing our research for future publication, so keep your eyes on our Projects for further news.