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 230m south west of Middle Taphouse Farm, forming part of a round barrow cemetery is a prominently positioned and large example of the type and despite some erosion survives well. It will contain archaeological and environmental evidence relating to its construction, longevity, territorial significance, funerary and ritual practices, social organisation and overall landscape context.
Details
The monument includes a bowl barrow, situated at the summit of a prominent branching ridge forming the watershed between the Fowey and West Looe Rivers and overlooking the valley of a tributary to the latter river. The barrow survives as a circular, flat-topped mound standing up to 41.5m in diameter and 3.5m high, with a possible berm around the exterior edge which is best preserved to the north. The surrounding quarry ditch, from which material to construct the mound was derived, is preserved as a buried feature.
Other similar barrows which form part of this extensive cemetery are the subject of separate schedulings.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
CO 443
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
End of official list entry
