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 the remains of a substantial round cairn of Bronze Age
date, known as Deadman Cairn, situated on a south facing slope. The cairn, of
large irregular stones, measures 20m in diameter and stands to a maximum
height of 1.8m. The centre has been disturbed by 19th century antiquarian
excavation, and the stones have been more recently rearranged by shepherds. On
the south side of the cairn there is a second, smaller cairn constructed of
stone and earth 5m in diameter and standing to a maximum height of 0.6m. A
hole in the centre of the smaller cairn is also the result of antiquarian
exploration.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
25105
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
