Three bowl barrows 245m north west of Gregwartha Cottage

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 partial early excavation, the three bowl barrows 245m north west of Gregwartha Cottage survive comparatively well and will contain archaeological and environmental evidence relating to their construction, relative chronologies, territorial significance, social organisation, ritual and funerary practices and overall landscape context.

Details

The monument, which falls into three areas of protection, includes three bowl barrows, situated at the summit of a prominent ridge, overlooking Stithians Reservoir. The barrows are arranged in a north to south linear alignment and survive as circular mounds surrounded by buried quarry ditches, from which their construction material was derived. The southern barrow mound measures up to 42m in diameter and 1.5m high. In 1851it was reported that the largest barrow of the group was partially excavated and produced a skeleton in a long cist. It is thought that this barrow was the one referred to in the record. The central barrow mound stands up to 31m in diameter and 1m high. The northern barrow is 25m in diameter and 1.4m high.

Sources: HER:- PastScape Monument No:-425669

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

CO 939

Legacy System:

RSM - OCN

End of official list entry

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