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. Although much is already known about the bowl barrow in Bowness Gardens 315m north west of the swimming lake, it will retain further 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 broad ridge overlooking the valley of the River Trym. The barrow survives as a circular stone and earth mound measuring up to 9m in diameter and 1.5m high. It is surrounded by a buried quarry ditch, from which the material for its construction was derived. The barrow was excavated in 1873 when part of a crouched inhumation, flints and charcoal was discovered and again in 1922-3 when the outer limestone rubble-built kerb was revealed. The barrow was later re-used as a windmill mound.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
BS 27
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
End of official list entry
