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. There are over 10,000 surviving bowl
barrows recorded nationally (many more have already been destroyed), occurring
across most of lowland Britain. 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
and a substantial proportion of surviving examples are considered worthy of
protection.
Details
Friden Hollow bowl barrow is a sub-circular barrow located in the central
uplands of the limestone plateau of Derbyshire. The monument includes a mound
measuring 16m by 14m and standing c.0.5m high. Previously, the barrow would
have been somewhat higher but its profile has been changed by ploughing
occurring during World War II. Partial excavations of the mound were carried
out in 1825, by William Bateman, and in 1844, by Thomas Bateman, when traces
of burnt bone and charcoal were found indicating an in-situ cremation. The
appearance of the barrow, and its proximity to others datable to the Bronze
Age, suggest that it too dates to this period. However, pot sherds of a very
hard texture found during excavation may date to the Roman or Anglian periods,
and suggest either that the barrow was re-used at this time or that it is not
of prehistoric origin. In this respect, and others, it is similar to nearby
Ringham Low bowl barrow.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
23240
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
