Two disc barrows and a bell barrow, 400m east of the Pennings, Earl's Farm Down

Reasons for Designation

Disc barrows, the most fragile type of round barrow, are funerary monuments of the early Bronze Age, with most examples dating to the period 1400-1200 BC. They occur either in isolation or in barrow cemeteries (closely-spaced groups of round barrows). Disc barrows were constructed as a circular or oval area of level ground defined by a bank and internal ditch and containing one or more centrally or eccentrically located small, low mounds covering burials, usually in pits. The burials, normally cremations, are frequently accompanied by pottery vessels, tools and personal ornaments. It has been suggested that disc barrows were normally used for the burial of women, although this remains unproven, however it is likely that the individuals buried were of high status. Disc barrows are rare nationally, with about 250 known examples most of which are in Wessex. Their richness in terms of grave goods provides important evidence for chronological and cultural links amongst prehistoric communities over a wide area of southern England as well as providing an insight into their beliefs and social organisation. As a particularly rare form of round barrow, all identified disc barrows would normally be considered to be of national importance.

Bell barrows, the most visually impressive form of round barrow, are funerary monuments dating to the early and middle Bronze Age, with most examples belonging to the period 1600-1300 BC. They occur either in isolation or in round barrow cemeteries and were constructed as single or multiple mounds covering burials, often in pits, and surrounded by an enclosure ditch. The burials are frequently accompanied by weapons, personal ornaments and pottery and appear to be those of aristocratic individuals, usually men. Bell barrows (particularly multiple barrows) are rare nationally, with less than 250 known examples, most of which are in Wessex. Their richness in terms of grave goods provides evidence for chronological and cultural links amongst early prehistoric communities over most of southern and eastern England, as well as providing an insight into their beliefs and social organisation. As a particularly rare form of round barrow, all identified bell barrows would normally be considered to be of national importance. The Earl's Farm Down barrows survive particularly well and, as there is little evidence of formal excavation on the site, have considerable archaeological potential. The importance of the monument is further enhanced by its incorporation within a barrow cemetery. Such cemeteries provide information on the variety of beliefs and social organisation in the Bronze Age.

Details

The monument includes two disc barrows and a bell barrow set below the crest of a gentle south-facing slope in an area of undulating chalk downland. The bell barrow lies in a broadly central position between the two disc barrows. The barrow mound is 36m in diameter and stands to a height of c.5m. Surrounding the mound is a berm which varies in width between 7 and 14m and a ditch 6m wide and 0.2m deep. Evidence for previous excavation is visible both on the south-west side of the mound and on top of the monument. Immediately to the north of the bell barrow is a disc barrow. This comprises a level platform 45m across and a central mound 12m in diameter and 0.4m high. Surrounding the platform is a ditch 5m across and 0.2m deep and an outer bank 6m across and 0.3m high. Approximately 60m south-west of the northern disc barrow is a second example, comprising a level platform 50m across and a central mound 12m across and 0.4m high. Surrounding the platform is a ditch 4m wide and 0.4m deep, and an outer bank 8m across and 0.5m high.

MAP EXTRACT The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract.

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

12200

Legacy System:

RSM

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