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 a round cairn of Bronze Age date situated in parkland
adjoining Swinburne Castle. The cairn, constructed of large stones and earth,
measures 18m in diameter and is 1.3m high. The surrounding ditch, dug to
provide the material to construct the mound, is visible as a slight hollow
on the east and south sides. Several large stones around the base are
suggestive of a retaining kerb. The cairn shows signs of central disturbance,
the result of partial excavation in 1925 when charcoal and burnt wood were
uncovered. The cairn was known to local antiquarians as 'the King's Seat'.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
20934
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
