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 early partial excavation or robbing, the bowl barrow 540m WSW of St Breock Downs Farm survives well and will contain archaeological and environmental evidence relating to its construction, longevity, social organisation, territorial significance, ritual and funerary practices and overall landscape context.
Details
The monument includes a bowl barrow, situated on the upper eastern slopes of the prominent ridge known as St Breock Downs. The bowl barrow survives as a circular mound, measuring up to 22m in diameter and 1.8m high. The surrounding quarry ditch, from which material to construct the mound was derived, is preserved as a buried feature. A central hollow, indicating early excavation or robbing, is now backfilled with rubble.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
CO 357
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
End of official list entry
