Kerbed cairn and round cairn 210m north west of the Nine Maidens Stone Circle

Reasons for Designation

Both round and kerbed cairns are prehistoric funerary monuments dating to the Bronze Age (c.2000-700 BC). They were constructed as stone mounds, defined by an outer kerb of upright stones or walling in the case of kerbed cairns, but with both types covering single or multiple burials. These burials may be placed within the mound in stone-lined compartments called cists. In some cases the cairn was surrounded by a ditch. Often occupying prominent locations, round and kerbed cairns are a major visual element in the modern landscape. They are a relatively common feature of the uplands and are the stone equivalent of the earthen round barrows of the lowlands. Their considerable variation in form and longevity as a monument type provide important information on the diversity of beliefs and social organisation amongst early prehistoric communities. They are particularly representative of their period. Despite partial early excavation, the kerbed cairn and round cairn 210m north west of the Nine Maidens Stone Circle survive comparatively well and are closely associated with several other important funerary and other monuments. They will contain archaeological and environmental evidence relating to their construction, relative chronologies, territorial significance, social organisation, ritual and funerary practices, and overall landscape context.

Details

The monument, which falls into two areas of protection, includes a kerbed cairn and a round cairn situated at the summit of a ridge, with striking views to Carn Galva. The northern kerbed cairn survives as a circular stony mound of up to 14m in diameter and 1.3m high with part of the retaining kerb visible. There is a central excavation hollow and a flat stone to the west of this which may be the capstone of a cist. The southern round cairn survives as a low uneven circular stony mound measuring up to 14m in diameter and 0.4m high. The cairns were first recorded by WC Borlase in 1872. Further archaeological remains in the vicinity are the subject of separate schedulings.

Sources: HER:- PastScape Monument No:-423885

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

CO 653

Legacy System:

RSM - OCN

End of official list entry

All text content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0 , except where otherwise stated. Any supplied maps are © Crown Copyright [and database rights] 2026 OS AC0000815036 and may not be reproduced without permission.

Print the official list entry