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 early partial excavation and robbing, the bowl barrow 420m south east of Higher Parkwalls survives comparatively 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 summit of a narrow ridge forming the watershed between two tributaries to the River Camel. The barrow survives as a circular earthen mound measuring up to 14.3m in diameter and 0.7m high. Large protruding boulders indicate the position of part of an outer kerb. The surrounding quarry ditch, from which material to construct the mound was derived, is preserved as a buried feature. The surface of the mound has several hollows which may indicate areas of stone robbing or early partial excavation.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
CO 493
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
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