_Grimsdyke or Grimesditch_ (Vol. iv., pp. 192. 330.).--There is a
hundred in Norfolk called Grimeshoe or Grimeshow, of which Blomefield,
in his History, vol. ii. p. 148., says:
"It most probably derives its name from _Grime_ and _hoo_, a hilly
champaign country. This Grime was (as I take it) some considerable
leader or general, probably of the Danes, in this quarter; and if
he was not the _præsitus comitatus_, or _vicecomes_, that is, the
shire reeve or sheriff, he was undoubtedly the _Centuriæ
præpositus_, that is, the hundred-greeve; and, as such, gave the
name to it, which it retains to this day."
Near this is a curious Danish encampment, with a number of pits and
tumuli, called _Grime's Graves_, from the aforementioned Grime. These
are about two miles east of the village of Weeting, on a rising ground.
On the west side of the village is a bank and ditch, extending several
miles, called the Fen-dyke or Foss. The encampment contains about two
acres, and is of a semicircular form. There are numerous deep pits dug
within it in the quincunx form, and capable of concealing a large army.
There are also several tumuli, one in particular of a long shape. The
usual opinion respecting these remains is, that it was the seat of great
military operations between the Saxons and Danes.