The Ickneild Way

The Ickneild Way is a line which runs between Wiltshire and Norfolk in southern England. Although it was surprisingly busy when I saw it at Thetford, it appears to be a country lane, while akin to a bridleway at other locations. The tourist interpretation board delighted to explain that it has been a major route used by armed hosts:

‘…Iceni chariots, Roman legions, Viking armies, conquering Normans…and Second World War tanks’.

Although many peaceable, ordinary folk will have used it too, it has been a place of marching and galloping, where hobnailed boots and military-issue sandals have pressed the ground under the weight of arms and armour. The day is coming, however, when armies will disband, navies shall sink and air forces remain grounded. The great God of heaven will suffer no longer the weapons of war to be made and deployed, and shall end all conflicts when He returns in power and glory:

Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. (Ps 46)

Until then:

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.