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. There are over 10,000 surviving bowl barrows recorded nationally (many more have already been destroyed), occurring across most of lowland Britain. 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 and the erection of a triangulation pillar, the bowl barrow called Condolden Barrow survives well and occupies an extremely prominent location. 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 on the summit of a prominent hill, overlooking the valleys of tributaries to the River Camel and the coast. The bowl barrow survives as a circular mound measuring up to 26m in diameter and 2.8m high with a partially-buried surrounding quarry ditch, from which material to construct the mound was derived. The ditch measures up to1.2m wide and 0.5m deep. The mound has several surface hollows, probably the result of early partial excavation or robbing. There is an Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar located on the top.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
CO 299
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
End of official list entry
