What is Offa's Dyke?
Q: What is Offa's Dyke?
A: Offa's Dyke is a large earthwork that roughly follows the current border between England and Wales. It was named after Offa, an 8th century king of Mercia who is believed to have ordered its construction.
Q: What is the purpose of Offa's Dyke?
A: The original purpose of Offa's Dyke is not known for sure, but it followed the border between Anglian Mercia and the Welsh kingdom of Powys.
Q: How wide and high was Offa's Dyke?
A: Offa's Dyke was up to 65 feet (20 m) wide (including its flanking ditch) and 8 feet (2.4 m) high.
Q: Is there a footpath associated with it?
A: Yes, there is a 177 mile (283 km) footpath called the 'Offa's Dyke Path' which runs between Prestatyn in the north (Liverpool Bay) and Sedbury, near Chepstow (the Severn Estuary). This path runs near the dyke in its central part.
Q: Are there any special designations related to this structure?
A: Yes, some sections of the dyke are defined as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Most sections are also designated as Public Rights of Way including those sections which form part of the Offa's Dyke Path.
Q: Has anything happened to parts or all of it recently?
A: In August 2013, a 45 m (148 ft) section of the dyke located between Chirk and Llangollen was destroyed by a local landowner in order to build stables - this destruction has been compared to "driving a road through Stonehenge".
