The palisade and gate

The palisade is by far the largest element of the tenth-century monument complex at Jelling. Its size alone is impressive, but equally remarkable is the geometric precision and the enormous timber consumption, which can be determined from the archaeological evidence. The most significant stretches are in the north, where the length of the northern line has been precisely determined by the two identified corners, respectively in the north-west and north-east, and in the east. Shorter parts have been investigated to the west and south, and have made it possible to determine the course of all four sides of the palisade and establish the approximate location of the two southern corners. There is considerable variation in the level of preservation of the individual sections. In the northern part of the area the topsoil layer was thin, and the palisade ditch took the form of a continuous dark course against the background of light yellow subsoil. The southern part is much better preserved, and the dimensions of individual planks and posts could be recorded. In the pond Smededammen oak timbers were still preserved in the waterlogged, oxygen-lacking bottom layers of the pond. The chapter begins with a description of the appearance and construction of the palisade, followed by a discussion of a gate to the north and evidence of transportation in the landscape. Finally, the dating of the overall structure is summarised.