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
Cromwell's Low bowl barrow is a sub-circular cairn in a ridge-top location in
the south-western ridges of the limestone plateau of Derbyshire. The monument
includes a mound measuring 19m by 16m and standing c.1.3m high. This was
partially excavated by Thomas Bateman in 1848 and found to contain, at the
centre, a rock-cut grave covered by two limestone slabs in which was deposited
a cremation burial accompanied by a fragment of antler and a food vessel
indicating a Bronze Age date for the barrow. Outside the grave, on the old
land surface beneath the barrow, were found the disturbed remains of two
skeletons in association with iron nails or rivets, buckles and the fittings
of a shield. These indicate the re-use of the barrow in the Anglian period.
Excluded from the scheduling are the drystone walls crossing the edge of the
monument, although the ground beneath them is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
13319
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
