‘Devil’s Dyke’ Acrylic on Canvas 100 x 130 x 4 cm
Running along the top of Devil’s Dyke is a narrow causeway. At this time of year it is very overgrown and a rich assortment of wild flowers are in full bloom, encroaching the path on either side. As you make your way along the ridge there is a constant accompaniment of butterflies, insects and wildlife.
Devil’s Dyke is one of the best surviving examples of Anglo-Saxon earthwork in Britain. It may be significantly shorter than the more famous Offa’s Dyke, which runs (sporadically) from north to south Wales – but Devil’s Dyke is actually higher (up to 10 metres from the bottom of the ditch to the top of the bank in places) and often better preserved. There’s much of archaeological interest throughout the route, and the county council occasionally runs guided walks to highlight the archaeology of the the Dyke – there are also seven information boards dotted along it.
One local legend describes how the devil came uninvited to a wedding (perhaps at Reach church) and was, as a result, chased away by the unimpressed guests. In anger he stormed off and formed the groove of Devil’s Dyke with his fiery tail.
Source: The Guardian