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 1500-1100 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 on high ground above the Wylye Valley.
The barrow mound is 34m in diameter and 2.5m high, surrounded on all sides by
a level berm, ditch and outer bank. The berm measures 3m across and is set
0.75m above the bottom of the ditch. The ditch, from which material was
quarried during construction of the monument, varies in width between 4m to
the west and 6m to the east. Although partly infilled over the years it
survives to a depth of 0.3m. Beyond the ditch are the slight traces of an
outer bank.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
12304
Legacy System:
RSM
End of official list entry
