Reasons for Designation
Round barrows 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 mounds, sometimes ditched, which covered single or multiple burials. They occur either in isolation or grouped as cemeteries and often acted as a focus of 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 examples recorded nationally (many more have already been destroyed), occurring across most of Britain, including the Wessex area where it is often possible to classify them more closely, for example as bowl or bell barrows. Often occupying prominent locations, they are a major historic element in the modern landscape and their considerable variation in 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 and a substantial proportion of surviving examples are considered worthy of protection.
Ellsnook round barrow, 175m north east of Heiferlaw Bridge survives well and will retain significant archaeological and environmental information relating to the mound and its surrounding landscape. The monument will also provide insight into the character of burial and ritual in later prehistory.
Details
The monument includes the remains of a Bronze Age round barrow, situated on level ground overlooking lower ground to the south. The round barrow survives as a circular mound of stone and earth measuring about 15m in diameter and standing to a maximum height of 1m. Partial excavation in 1921 revealed the presence of a stone cist with internal dimensions of 0.70m long by 0.46m wide and 0.20m deep. Within the cist a Bronze Age funerary pot was uncovered. The position of this excavation is denoted by a slight hollow in the centre of the mound and the remains of a narrow trench in the south west quadrant.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
ND 107
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
End of official list entry
