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. Although the barrow 155m east of Sheep Drift Farm has suffered some damage
caused by falling trees, the disturbance is superficial and the monument
survives well. Evidence of the manner in which the barrow was constructed and
used, of the duration of its use and of the local environment at the time of
and prior to its construction will be preserved in the mound and in the soils
buried beneath it. The importance of this monument is enhanced by the fact
that it is situated close to another barrow which lies 30m to the north-east,
and that both are among the several which remain of a large group of barrows
recorded in the area.
Details
The monument includes a bowl barrow which is visible as a mound standing to a
maximum height of 2m and covering an area 20m in diameter. Although there is
no trace on the ground surface of a ditch encircling the mound, it is probable
that such a ditch exists as a buried feature. 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:
21261
Legacy System:
RSM
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