Round cairn, 580m north of Woodhouse

Reasons for Designation

Round cairns are prehistoric funerary monuments dating to the Bronze Age (c.2000-700 BC). They were constructed as stone mounds covering single or multiple burials. These burials may be placed within the mound in stone-lined compartments called cists. In some cases the cairn was surrounded by a ditch. Often occupying prominent locations, cairns are a major visual element in the modern landscape. They are a relatively common feature of the uplands and are the stone equivalent of the earthen round barrows of the lowlands. Their considerable variation in form and longevity as a monument type provide important information on the diversity of beliefs and social organisation amongst early prehistoric communities. They are particularly representative of their period and a substantial proportion of surviving examples are considered worthy of protection.

The round cairn north of Woodhouse survives well and contains significant archaeological deposits. Evidence of the manner of construction, and the nature and duration of its use will be preserved within and beneath the mound.

Details

The monument includes a round cairn of Bronze Age date, situated in an elevated position on a slight easterly slope with extensive views to the east. The cairn, constructed of earth and stone is 9m in diameter and stands to a maximum height of 0.6m. A slight hollow in the top of the cairn is the result of an unrecorded partial excavation. A Roman milestone 2m high erected on the edge of the cairn is included in the scheduling. The milestone is said to have come originally from the Roman bridge which carried Dere Street across the Rede; it was moved to a local farm and incorporated into a building and subsequently was erected in its present position in 1971 by The Redesdale Society.

MAP EXTRACT The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract. It includes a 2 metre boundary around the archaeological features, considered to be essential for the monument's support and preservation.

Legacy

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

Legacy System number:

21037

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Other
NY 88 NE 09,

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