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 two bowl barrows 570m south west of Polkerth forming part of a larger round barrow cemetery survive well and 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 two bowl barrows, forming part of a larger round barrow cemetery situated on the northern upper slopes of Goonhilly Downs. The barrows survive as circular mounds, surrounded by buried quarry ditches, from which their construction material was derived. The north eastern mound measures 18m in diameter and 2m high and has a central excavation hollow. The south western mound measures 16m in diameter and 1.2m high with a deep central hollow. Some large boulders protrude from the mound on the north east side. Both barrows mark the parish boundary between St Martin and St Keverne.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
CO 561
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
End of official list entry
