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.
Details
The monument includes a large cairn of Bronze Age date situated on the edge of
a scarp on Cartington Hill. It commands extensive views in all directions and
is a prominent landmark. The heather covered cairn is very well preserved and
measures 14m in diameter and survives to a height of 1.3m. Traces of a kerb
are visible around the northern periphery where the cairn is best preserved.
A hole at the centre of the mound has been produced by stone robbing.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
20898
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals Other
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
