Three bowl barrows 250m north east of Lowermoor

Reasons for Designation

Bodmin Moor, the largest of the Cornish granite uplands, has long been recognised to have exceptional preservation of archaeological remains. The Moor has been the subject of detailed archaeological survey and is one of the best recorded upland landscapes in England. The extensive relict landscapes of prehistoric, medieval and post-medieval date provide direct evidence for human exploitation of the Moor from the earliest prehistoric period onwards. The well-preserved and often visible relationship between settlement sites, field systems, ceremonial and funerary monuments as well as later industrial remains provides significant insights into successive changes in the pattern of land use through time. 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 three bowl barrows 250m north east of Lowermoor survive well, and their immediately adjacent or conjoined arrangement is both highly unusual and unique in Cornwall. They will contain archaeological and environmental evidence relating to their construction, relative chronologies, development, territorial significance, social organisation, ritual and funerary practices and overall landscape context.

Details

The monument includes three bowl barrows, situated on the upper southern slopes of a ridge, overlooking a tributary to the River Camel. The three barrows, two of which are contiguous and the third immediately adjacent, are aligned west to east and spaced so closely they are almost a 'triple' barrow. The barrows survive as three circular mounds enclosed by an outer, oval partially-buried ditch. The mounds from west to east measure 24m in diameter and 1.3m high; 18m in diameter and 1.2m high; and 19m in diameter and 1.3m high. All three mounds have pits and trenches associated with early excavations or robbing. The surrounding outer quarry ditch is up to 3.2m wide and 0.6m.

The mound and ditch to the south east are cut slightly by a hedge and road.

Sources: HER:- PastScape Monument No:-434423

Legacy

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

Legacy System number:

CO 491

Legacy System:

RSM - OCN

End of official list entry

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