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Offa's Dyke, Wales

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Offa, who took the throne in 757, minted the earliest common coinage in the island and built famous earthworks to mark his western frontier, roughly following the border between what is now England and Wales, from Presatyn in the north to Sedbury near Chepstow in the south. Natural barriers were used where practical, and where these barriers did not exist a dyke was built, an earthwork three to four meters in height, with a ditch giving a width of twenty meters. The dyke gave a physical dividing line between the Saxons and the Celtic Britons. The border was part of a growing identity. Offa was the first ruler of the former province of Britannia to call himself Rex Anglorum, or "king of the English".

The presence of such a large scale fortification might indicate great hostility between the Saxons and the Britons. But as far as the reign of Offa was concerned this might not generally be the case. There is evidence that Offa consulted with the rulers of Powys and Gwent about the line of the dyke, and it is clear that the line did not always run solely to Mercia's advantage. Offa made sure that a share of fertile land remained within the Celtic area. This is one of the reasons the dyke has endured for so long. Survival was not only the result of the formidable nature of the fortifications, it is also a result of respectful decisions that went into its planning. This fortification strangely symbolised peace as well as war. The dyke was more of a symbol than a real frontier. There were communities of Britons to the east of the line, and communities of Saxons to the west. This is perhaps the most endearing feature of Offa's Dyke, the sense of respect for one's neighbours.

The form of Offa's Dyke in fact mimics the layout of sacred sites which had been built in Neolithic Britain. Circular banks and ditches along with standing stones are seen at such well known sites as Stonehenge and Avebury. Offa's Dyke reproduces the protective qualities of those sacred circles in a vast linear form. The dyke is a symbol of security, and as a symbol it could be equally relevant to those on both sides of the border it represented.

Offa's Dyke, King Offa's great earthwork marking the western frontier of the Saxon kingdom, survives for long sections.The finest sections are in the area of Montgomery, in mid Wales, and can be followed unbroken for many miles. The Offa's Dyke path is one of the National Trails and runs for 283km/177 miles from Chepstow (Monmouthshire) on the Severn Estuary to Prestatyn (Denbighshire) on the Irish Sea. The path follows what remains of the dyke, for a total of about 100km/60miles, as well as taking in the rest of the ancient frontier. The path offers a variety of beautiful landscapes, as it makes its way along the Wye Valley, over the Black Mountains, the Shropshire Hills and the Clywidian Hills. If you're considering walking all of the path, a book such as Offa's Dyke Path South Chepstow to Knighton, by Ernie and Kathy Kay will be helpful. The path is generally fairly easy, although there are climbs and descents, and some sections are remote and boggy. Accommodation along the route is plentiful and Bed and Breakfast owners seem used to the needs of walkers. Many owners will arrange transport of luggage on to the next destination, so that walkers only have to carry a light pack.

Click here for an interactive map centred on Offa's Dyke in the area of Montgomery.

Contact:

The Offa's Dyke Association, Offa's Dyke Centre, West Street, Knighton LD7 1EN. Telephone: 01547 528753

The Offa's Dyke Centre, West Street, Knighton, Powys, LD7 1EN . Telephone: 01547 528192, e-mail: odp@offasdyke.demon.co.uk