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
Withery Low, also known as Withered Low, is part of Wormhill Moor and lies
north of Wye Dale on the limestone plateau of Derbyshire. The monument
includes the north-eastern of a pair of barrows spaced c.50m apart on the
summit of the hill. The barrow consists of a sub-circular cairn measuring 17m
by 13m by 0.6m high. It is situated on the edge of an outcrop and the surface
of the mound has been robbed of its stone, probably by wall-builders at the
time of the Enclosure Acts. It is possible that this is one of the barrows on
Withery Low partially excavated by Thomas Bateman in 1846. However, Bateman's
account is unclear on this point. The general appearance and location of the
barrow, and its proximity to others of this class, indicate that it dates to
the Bronze Age.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
13352
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
