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
The two bowl barrows are located in the northern part of Osmaston Fields,
situated on the southern ridges of the Derbyshire Peak District. The
monument includes both barrows within a single area and also the surrounding
construction ditches which are buried beneath accumulated soil. The south-
western barrow is a roughly circular mound measuring 27m by 26m and standing
c.0.75m high. The north-eastern barrow is sub-circular and slightly smaller
at 27m by 24m by c.0.6m high. Both barrows are of earth construction and have
had their profiles gradually lowered by ploughing in the past. There has been
no recorded excavation at either site but a Bronze Age date has been assigned
to them as they form part of a scattered group of barrows, other examples of
which have been found to contain Bronze Age remains.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
13323
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
