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. The bowl barrow 550m WNW of Dowerfield House survives 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 upper south facing steep slopes of a prominent ridge between Martin's Down and Askerswell Down. The barrow survives as circular mound of up to 21m in diameter and 1.4m high. It is surrounded by a buried quarry ditch, from which its construction material was derived. Some large flints have been exposed on the flattened top of the mound.
Further archaeological remains in the vicinity are the subject of separate schedulings.
Sources: HER:-
PastScape Monument No:-451124
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
DO 441
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
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