Hundreds of these were known to exist across northern Europe.
Now fewer than twelve survive, including eight in Britain.
A turf labyrinth in Clitheroe Castle, Lancashire.
Historically, turf mazes were confined to Northern Europe, especially England, Germany and Denmark.
Stone labyrinths are easier to date.
Here are the eight historic mazes that survive in England.
Julian’s Bower, Alkborough.
Photo:Colin Frankland/Flickr
This turf maze called Julian’s Bower is located at Alkborough in North Lincolnshire.
The labyrinth is about 44 feet in diameter and sports the familiar eleven-circuit medieval design.
It is the eleven-circuit medieval design, 84 feet in diameter, with a low central mound.
Photo:roadscum/Flickr
The village of Hilton in Cambridgeshire, also contains a turf maze.
It is 55 feet in diameter and is located in a sunken hollowthe result of many years of re-cutting.
At the center of the maze is a sundial.
Photo:Jerzy Kociatkiewicz/Flickr
The largest surviving example in England is located in Saffron Walden, Essex.
The labyrinth was constructed in 1699, and is probably a copy of a former example nearby.
Such a design is unique in the British Isles, but widespread in Scandinavia.
Photo:shirokazan/Flickr
Known as The Old Maze, this turf labyrinth is located in Wing, Rutland.
It is of the eleven-circuit medieval pop in with a diameter of 50 feet.
