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Archaeology - Sites to See

Turlhangers Wood and Albury Nowers

Turlhanger’s Wood and Aldbury Nowers, Aldbury: two sections of Grim’s Ditch and two prehistoric barrows. The long series of banks and ditches known as Grim’s Ditch can be traced throughout most of the Chilterns, and often follows the line of the valleys. They were constructed over many centuries, and their overall date range runs from the Later Bronze Age to the Late Iron Age (c.1200 B.C. - cA.D.50). The precise purpose of this impressive series of earthworks is not known, but they probably served to mark the boundaries of territories or farming estates. They may also have had a ceremonial or religious function. The section of ditch in Turlhanger’s Wood is the best surviving portion. It is up to 3m high and c.10m wide, and is visible for about 500m alongside the Ridgeway Path. The Aldbury Nowers section of the ditch is about 175m long, 6m wide and 80cm high. The two prehistoric round barrows (see 2) probably date to the Early Bronze Age (c.2300 0 c.1400 B.C.), and it is possible that their existence was a later influence on the precise route followed by Grim’s Ditch in this area. The first of these barrows is about 17m in diameter and c.1.2m high, and the second 12.5m in diameter and 0.8m high. Long-term erosion has reduced the height of these mounds, and they are not easily spotted.

From Aldbury take Station Road towards Tring, and take the first right, to Pitstone and Ivinghoe. The public footpath is visible a short way along on the right, and parking is available about 50 yards further on. Walk up through the wood until you reach a crossroads with a track running east-west. An information board has been erected here. Turn right onto this track, and Grim’s Ditch is clearly visible on your left, and runs for about 500m. SP 9507 1324. To see the other sites, return to the crossroads and rejoin the footpath. As you ascend the slope the first barrow, a grassy mound, is on the far side of the fenced area on your left (SP 9507 1324). Continue upwards to a second set of information boards, where the path bears to the right. The second barrow is about 10m along, and a short distance from the path in the woodland on the right (SP 9515 1335). To reach the second portion of Grim’s Ditch follow the footpath, ignoring the wide waymarked path on the left. When you reach a second set of waymarkers continue straight on, and Grim’s Ditch is immediately on your left (SP 9513 1381).

Map showing Turlhangers Wood and Albury Nowers