Bowl barrow 680m north west of Trewithick Farm

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 680m north west of Trewithick Farm 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 at the summit of a prominent ridge, overlooking the valleys of the River Kensey and one of its tributaries. The barrow survives as a circular mound measuring 26.4m in diameter and 1.7m high. Its surrounding quarry ditch, from which material to construct the mound was derived, is preserved as a buried feature. There is a slight central excavation hollow.

It was referred to as 'White Borough' by Lysons in 1814, and in 1872 Polsue called it an 'ancient place of sepulchre '. According to Peter, early feast day sports were held in the area and surface finds of flints and stone implements have been made in the vicinity.

Sources: HER:- PastScape Monument No:-436161

Legacy

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

Legacy System number:

CO 579

Legacy System:

RSM - OCN

End of official list entry

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