Offa's Dyke Attractions
Offa's Dyke is an earth rampart built by King Offa of Mercia between 784 and 796 to provide protection for the Anglo-Saxons against Welsh attacks. It extends from the Severn estuary to the Dee, a total distance of some 170mi/272km.
After defeating Caradoc, a Welsh prince, between Abergele and Rhuddlan (south of Rhyl) Offa built the wall to mark the border between Mercia and Wales. His palace was at Sutton Walls.
The earth rampart was reinforced by a ditch on the Welsh side. It can be followed, with many interruptions, for a distance of more than 140mi/224km between the estuary of the Dee and the Wye. A second earthwork known as Wat's (or Watt's) Dyke, which is probably of somewhat later origin, runs parallel to Offa's Dyke, 3mi/5km away, for a distance of some 40mi/64km from the Dee to the Severn.
After defeating Caradoc, a Welsh prince, between Abergele and Rhuddlan (south of Rhyl) Offa built the wall to mark the border between Mercia and Wales. His palace was at Sutton Walls.
The earth rampart was reinforced by a ditch on the Welsh side. It can be followed, with many interruptions, for a distance of more than 140mi/224km between the estuary of the Dee and the Wye. A second earthwork known as Wat's (or Watt's) Dyke, which is probably of somewhat later origin, runs parallel to Offa's Dyke, 3mi/5km away, for a distance of some 40mi/64km from the Dee to the Severn.
Read More
Knighton, Wales
Not far away from Kington (England) is Knighton (county of Powys, Wales), a little town set among wooded hills on the River Teme, with well-preserved stretches of the Dike on either side of the town. Here too there is a large sheep and lamb market in autumn.
Clun Castle
(Offa's Dyke)
Ruins of a border castle, including a four-storey keep.
Ruthin Castle Mediaeval Banquets
Ruthin Castle was built as part of Edward the First's campaigns against Wales. It was designed by Master James of St George, who was the architect responsible for other Edwardian fortresses, and much of his original design has survived or has been restored to a strong likeness of the original.
It has since become a luxury hotel with attractive gardens and excellent facilities for hosting medieval banquets. At a Mediaeval Banquet visitors participate in the merriment of a four-course meal with entertainment.
It has since become a luxury hotel with attractive gardens and excellent facilities for hosting medieval banquets. At a Mediaeval Banquet visitors participate in the merriment of a four-course meal with entertainment.
