More information : [Cent. at SU.348051] BISHOP'S DYKE [O.E.] (1) BISHOP'S DYKE [T.I.] (2) "Bishop's Dyke". A low bank between two ditches of equal size. The dyke has a clean-cut appearance as if of modern construction or renewed in recent times. It encloses an irregular area which looks as if it had, at one time, been under cultivation - one would guess it to be a bank or mediaeval enclosure connected with Beaulieu Abbey. (3) John de Pontoise, Bishop of Winchester, obtained the Grant of Bishops Ditch from Ed. I in 1284. It was held by Winchester until at least 1636. Its status seems to have been that of a Park. (4) See F/54/155/8 The earthwork comprises a bank, averaging 1.0m. in height and 4.0m. wide, between ditches which vary greatly in their present size. Examination of rabbit scrapes and the like show the material of the bank to be derived from the ditches and to consist of a loam with gravel. In general, the ditch on the outside of the enclosure is the better preserved with the inner more often in the marsh. The purpose of the earthwork seems to have been to enclose the valleys and slopes that together form the major source of the riverlet known as Shepton Water. No evidence of former cultivation was seen and it is probable that the two major fords or 'passages' - a rather more significant name - are contemporary with the earthwork. The evidence for a pre-enclosure crossing-place is given in Hants 72 SE 10. No evidence was seen of any attempt to dam or block the streams and so form the marsh. No definite reason for the enclosure of the area can be suggested. The status of a park would presuppose the existence of good grazing, but that within the enclosure is poor. There is very little open water for fish and though flights of water-fowl were seen, there is no evidence to suggest this was a preserve. The plan and sections drawn in authority 4 are substantially correct. (5) Denny Lodge, Bishop's Dyke. Scheduled 255 (6) No change: published 1:2500 revised. (7) No change. 1:2500 Published Surveys correct. (8)
Bishop's Dyke remains as described by the sources above. (9) |