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 some disturbance, the bowl barrow 200m north east of Gonvena House survives comparatively 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 in the garden of a house on the upper slopes of a gentle ridge, overlooking the River Camel. The barrow survives as a circular mound measuring up to 18m in diameter and 1m high situated at the summit of a natural knoll. The surrounding quarry ditch, from which material to construct the mound was derived, is preserved as a buried feature. The mound was cut slightly on the north east and south east sides by nearby building works. The barrow supports several trees.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
CO 310
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
End of official list entry
