Reasons for Designation
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.
Details
The monument includes a bell barrow, set below the crest of a gentle
south-facing slope in an area of undulating chalk downland. The barrow
mound is 30m in diameter and stands to a height of c.4m. Surrounding
the barrow mound are a berm, ditch and outer bank. The berm, c.2m wide,
is no longer visible at ground level, while the ditch and outer bank
are only visible as earthworks to the south of the barrow mound,
surviving as buried features elsewhere. The ditch is 2m across and 0.4m
deep. The outer bank is 2m across and 0.5m high. The surface of the
unmetalled track which runs from north to south across the western side
of the barrow is excluded from the monument, although the ground
beneath is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
12197
Legacy System:
RSM
End of official list entry
