Reasons for Designation
Stone coves are square or rectangular arrangements, usually with a large
standing stone on each of three sides and the fourth side open. As at Stanton
Drew, they are generally associated with large stone circles and associated
features such as henges and avenues. Where excavated they have been found to
date from the Late Neolithic to Early Bronze Age periods. Their function is
not yet fully understood although their associations tend to suggest a ritual
purpose.
There are currently nine stone coves positively identified in England and
all are associated with other related forms of prehistoric ritual monuments.
As a rare monument type which provides an insight into prehistoric ritual
activity, all surviving examples are worthy of preservation.
Details
The monument includes `The Cove', a closely-spaced group of three standing
stones, situated 25m south west of St Mary's Church on a low ridge overlooking
dry valleys to the south and west. One of the three stones has now fallen.
The stones vary in size between 1.5m and 3m high, and between 2.1m and 2.9m
wide. The fallen stone is 4.3m long, although part of this would originally
have been buried. Together, the three stones enclose an area with dimensions
of 3m from east to west and 4m from north to south.
The cove forms part of the Stanton Drew complex which includes associated
stone circles and avenues.
The monument has been in State care since 1883.
Excluded from the scheduling are all fence posts relating to property
boundaries, although the underlying ground is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
22862
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals
Legal
This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. This entry is a copy, the original is held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
End of official list entry
