Raw Dykes facts for kids
Raw Dykes is an ancient Roman earthwork located in Leicester, England. It's a special historical site, protected as a scheduled monument. Imagine two long, parallel mounds of earth, about 20 meters apart, with a dug-out channel running right between them. Today, only a 110-meter section of Raw Dykes remains, but it was once much longer, stretching at least 550 meters!
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What Are Raw Dykes?
Raw Dykes is a fascinating example of Roman engineering. It's believed to be part of an aqueduct, which was a system the Romans used to carry water from one place to another. The narrow channel in the middle of the ditch was likely the main path for the water. This design helped to make the water flow faster by keeping it in a tight space.
An Ancient Waterway?
Most experts agree that Raw Dykes was probably an aqueduct, bringing fresh water to the Roman town of Leicester. However, some people have wondered if it might have been a canal instead, used for boats or drainage, rather than for clean drinking water. But after looking at all the evidence, the idea of it being an aqueduct is still the most likely explanation.
Was It a Failure?
Some historians, like Kathleen Kenyon, thought that Raw Dykes might have been a failed project. They noticed that the level of the aqueduct was lower than the Roman baths in Leicester. This would mean the water couldn't flow uphill into the baths by itself.
However, other experts, like J.S. Wacher, point out that the Romans were incredibly skilled hydraulic engineers. This means they were experts at controlling and moving water. It's possible they used pumps to lift the water from Raw Dykes up into the town. We even have proof that the Romans used pumps and a large water tank at Leicester's Roman baths around the 4th century!
When Were They Built?
Archaeologists dug at Raw Dykes in 1938. They found pieces of Roman pottery from the 1st century AD. This tells us that Raw Dykes was built either during or after that time. The first time Raw Dykes was mentioned in writing was in 1322, in the records of Leicester.
Raw Dykes Through History
Raw Dykes has seen a lot of history! During the English Civil War, which was a big conflict in England, soldiers fighting for the King (called Royalists) used part of the earthwork. They set up their artillery (big guns) there. Raw Dykes also shows up on many old maps from the 1700s and 1800s.
Over the centuries, as Leicester grew bigger, parts of Raw Dykes were unfortunately lost. Its original length has been greatly shortened by new buildings and roads. Today, you can't walk directly on the site, but there's a special viewing area off Aylestone Road where you can see this amazing piece of Roman history.
