Libraries and leisure

Archaeology, Sites to See

Beech Bottom Dyke

Beech Bottom Dyke, St Albans is a massive ditch, flanked by banks on both sides. It is up to 30m wide, and 10m deep, and is visible for just under a mile along the northern edge of St Albans. It was constructed towards the end of the Iron Age, and most probably in the early 1st century A.D. This, and other similar earthworks in the district, were built by the powerful Celtic tribe established in this area, the Catuvellauni, to define areas of land around their tribal centre at Verlamion - the predecessor of the Roman city of Verulamium (see 8).

Take the A1081 from St Albans centre, turn right at ‘The Ancient Briton’ Public House and follow Beech Road. Fork left along Firbank Road, and left at the T-junction into Valley Road, which crosses Beech Bottom dyke at grid reference TL 1556 0917. The dyke is visible on either side of the road.

Map showing Beech Bottom Dyke