King Street Roman Road from Water Newton North

Margary Number: 26b

Distance: 7 miles (to County Boundary)

This branch off Ermine Street provided a slighly shorter route to Lincoln. However, it is across the edge of the Fens so perhaps was not as suitable in wet spells. The edge of the Fens though was probably such an important resource that it justified its own road. It was though inland of the Car Dyke, which probably provided some flood protection.

Historic Counties: Northamptonshire & Bedfordshire

Current Counties:Cambridgeshire & Bedfordshire

HER: Peterborough & Bedfordshire

Lidar Image - Roads around Water Newton including King Street

That River Nene (Roman) bridge acted as of focal point for several Roman roads including King Street. King Street in Cambridgeshire was generally around 10 metres AOD.

Oblique 3D Lidar Image - Water Newton towards Lincolnshire

Obviously a later branch off Ermine Street and perhaps oddly for a Roman road heads straight into the Fens and low ground. It does represent a slighly shorter route to Lincoln though.

Lidar Image and Route Map 1

Once across the River Nene bridge then this road could branch off Ermine Street and head almost due north.

Langdyke Bush

From Langdyke Bush northwards moderm roads now overly the Roman line all the way to the county boundary. Here the modern road is narrow compared to the width of the (Roman) agger over the ditches. Lang (long) Dyke was very much an appropriate name.

Lidar Image and Route Map 2

The straight alignment continues into Lincolnshire and we leave the road heading towards Bourne and ultimately Lincoln.

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Last update: Jan 2024

© David Ratledge