The Mystery of Grim’s Ditch
Grim’s Ditch is Buckinghamshire’s longest and largest heritage asset, but much of the history surrounding it still remains a mystery.
Who created it and why? What it was it used for? Was it created as one continuous earthwork running through some of the southern counties? This and many other questions formed part of the heritage work that Chalk, Cherries and Chairs undertook between 2019-24 across the Central Chilterns, uncovering information about the past and linking people to their local landscape.
About Grim's Ditch
Grim’s Ditch – also known as Grim’s Dyke – stretches through the Chilterns and across southern England. In places, it is a Scheduled Monument. The name encompasses a number of prehistoric bank and ditch linear earthworks of different dates, and which may have been built for different reasons.
Likely built during the Iron Age, the purpose of these earthworks remains a mystery, but they are generally considered to be too small for military of defensive use. They may have been used to mark boundaries or enclose land.
It is thought that Grim’s Ditch got its name from the the Anglo-Saxons who named things of mysterious origin ‘Grim’, a word derived from the Norse for devil and a nickname for Odin, the God of War and Magic.
Explore our virtual tour of Grim's Ditch
Our new interactive, 360 degree virtual tour allows the beauty and history of the monument and its surrounding area to be explored by anyone, wherever they are. Choose to follow our new walking trail, or explore the landscape panoramas as you wish – information boxes highlight aspects of the landscape, flora, fauna and interesting features along the way. Accessibility features include narration, BSL translation, static text version, colour/size options.
Read more about the development of the tool in this Bucks Council blogpost.
Geophysical survey of Grim's Ditch
In 2023, Chalk, Cherries and Chairs undertook a Geophysical Survey of an area where there is a ‘gap’ in the Ditch to determine its nature. 34 young volunteers from the two Bucks YAC groups and our New Shoots group (all aged between 8 and 16) were accompanied by 8 adult volunteers to survey the gap using specialist equipment.
Explore Grim's Ditch for yourself!
Download our walk leaflet and explore the mysteries of Grim’s ditch for yourself. The walk starts and ends at the free Whiteleaf Cross car park in Monks Risborough. It tracks through open countryside and Chilterns woodlands to join with the Ditch itself. It is an 11-km moderate walk, taking roughly 4 hours on public footpaths, with some inclines and muddy or uneven sections. You can also explore this walk through the virtual tour, above.
Download the walk leaflet
Facts and Fairytales: an introduction to archaeology through the story of Grim's Ditch
As part of our Chilterns Stories Festival, we are proud to present a brand NEW book focusing on the mysteries of Grim’s Ditch.
This book looks into the myths, legends and theories surrounding the Ditch, having a peek into the ancient world where people who built them lived. Sifting facts from fairytales, the book looks into what archaeology is and does, also examining what we know about Grim’s Ditch and what is still to be discovered! Suitable for 12+
Learn more about Grim's Ditch
Heritage Officer Sam Johansen, details some of the project work undertaken in the early part of Chalk Cherries and Chairs, focusing on Grim’s Ditch and other ancient routeways.
About the project
In partnership with Buckinghamshire Council, Chalk, Cherries and Chairs’ Mystery of Grim’s Ditch project (2023-24) looked to connect local people to the history of their landscape, as well as uncover some of the secrets surrounding it.
- We engaged with the Chilterns Young Archaeologists Club (YAC) and Aylesbury YAC, offering visits and presentations, and facilitating artwork and creative writing around the subject.
- We visited three schools in the Central Chilterns area – Prestwood Primary, Great Kingshill and Thomas Harding – to provide talks and information on the Ditch in line with KS2 National Curriculum criteria on prehistory.
- We offered guided walks and prepared a self-guided walk leaflet to show people the Ditch as it is today and link it back to the landscape and wildlife.
- We undertook a Geophysical Survey of an area where there is a ‘gap’ in the Ditch to determine its nature (see below).
- During winter 2023, we led the CCC team on a fascinating walk with The National Lottery Heritage Fund around Grim’s Ditch to see the earthworks and learn more about the results of our project. The project lead showed the group part of the Ditch, some of the surrounding historic sites, and talked about the area’s history.
Read more about Chalk, Cherries and Chairs.
Read more about our work to preserve our heritage
Nature Calling: read new poetry inspired by the Chilterns
Read a collection of new poetry by Lee Nelson, who was commissioned as part of the Nature Calling programme.
What is Luton Henge?
Nature Calling artist Matthew Rosier's "Luton Henge" project launched earlier this month with an event at Marsh Farm.
A Christmas message from our Chief Executive
As 2024 comes to an end, Chilterns Chief Executive Dr Elaine King reflects on achievements from the past year.
Chalk, Cherries and Chairs
Discover the timeline of the Chilterns
Hillforts of the Chilterns
Plan your trip to the Chilterns!
