Roman Rig

Roman Rig is a linear earthwork system stretching from Wincobank in Sheffield through Kimberworth to Mexborough across roughly 15 kilometers of South Yorkshire. Near Kimberworth, this structure splits into two parallel branches, with one passing through Greasbrough and the other running north of Swinton.

The structure was built in the first century AD by Brigantian tribes to defend against advancing Roman forces in northern England. Archaeological surveys show it connected two Iron Age forts and served as a territorial boundary.

The earthwork was known by different names across centuries, including Scotland Balk, Barber Balk, and Danes Bank, showing how local people understood it. These names reflect local stories and ideas that changed over generations.

The system spans protected land in places and remains visible at many points today, with the walk passing through different landscape types. It helps to research the various sections before visiting, as the topography offers different degrees of visibility.

The structure linked two older fortified sites, one at Wincobank and another at Scholes Coppice, which may have served as control points of an ancient border. This dual function as connector and boundary made it a remarkable engineering approach to territorial defense.