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 loss of much of its mound, the part of a bowl barrow called Headon Barrow survives comparatively well and will contain 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 part of a bowl barrow, situated on the summit of a prominent ridge forming the watershed between tributaries to the River Ottery and Exe Water. The barrow survives as the south east quadrant of a once circular mound which measured up to 36m in diameter when complete. The surviving part of the barrow comprises a remaining quarter section which measures approximately 15m long by 14m wide and 2m high with a curving buried outer ditch of up to 4.5m wide.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
CO 944
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
End of official list entry
