Reasons for Designation
Bowl barrows, the most numerous form of round barrow, are funerary monuments dating from the Late Neolithic period to the Late Bronze Age, with most examples belonging to the period 2400-1500 BC. They were constructed as earthen or rubble mounds, sometimes ditched, which covered single or multiple burials. They occur either in isolation or grouped as cemeteries and often acted as a focus for burials in later periods. Often superficially similar, although differing widely in size, they exhibit regional variations in form and a diversity of burial practices. Often occupying prominent locations, they are a major historic element in the modern landscape and their considerable variation of form and longevity as a monument type provide important information on the diversity of beliefs and social organisations amongst early prehistoric communities. They are particularly representative of their period. Despite partial early excavation, the bowl barrow 150m NNW of Abbey Farm survives comparatively well and will contain archaeological and environmental evidence relating to its construction, longevity, territorial significance, social organisation, funerary and ritual practices and overall landscape context.
Details
The monument includes a bowl barrow, situated on the summit of a prominent ridge forming the watershed between the valleys of the River Frome and Wellow Brook. The barrow survives as a circular mound of up to 12m in diameter and 1.2m high with a surrounding buried quarry ditch from which the material for its construction was derived. There is a central hollow marks the position of a 19th century partial excavation by Skinner. The barrow is known locally as 'Beacon Barrow' although there is no specific evidence to confirm it was used as a beacon site. It was planted with trees for a while as a landscape feature.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
BA 43
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
End of official list entry
