Carlisle
Cumbria
Town Dyke runs parallel to the remains of Carlisle's West Walls....as the name suggests, to the West of the City. The dyke has long since been filled in and built over, with the Town Dyke car park now occupying the site.
Above. Looking North along Court Square.
The walls were built between 1122 and 1200, and it's possible that the dyke was constructed to aid the effectiveness of the walls along the West side of Carlisle. So, this side of the city had the River Caldew, the dyke and the wall protecting it, whilst the West side of the city had the walls interspersed with towers. This triple protection may have been in place to provide protection to the Cathedral, abbey and its attendant buildings.
Above. Looking North towards Backhouses Walk.
Above. Looking North towards Backhouses Walk.
Above. Looking South towards the walls and Sallyport Stairs.
Whilst not really classified as a separate defensive entity, the dyke was an essential part of the city's defences on the West side of Carlisle.
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