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. Despite having been partially excavated in the 19th century, the cairn SSW of
Bolam church survives reasonably well and contains significant archaeological
deposits. The importance of the monument is enhanced by the survival of two
further round cairns in the Bolam area; taken together they will greatly add
to our understanding of Bronze Age activity in the area.
Details
The monument includes the remains of a round cairn of Bronze Age date situated
on a low east-west ridge. The cairn, composed of stone and earth, is 11m in
diameter and stands to a maximum height of 1.5m. A large hole in the centre of
the cairn is the remains of a partial antiquarian excavation. An upright
gatepost projects from the centre of the mound clearly indicating the cairn's
subsequent reuse. MAP EXTRACT
The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract.
It includes a 2 metre boundary around the archaeological features,
considered to be essential for the monument's support and preservation.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
25149
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals Davies, J, Davidson, J, 'Northern Archaeology vol 9 1988-89' in A Survey of Bolam and Shaftoe area, Northumberland, (1990), 77Other NZ08SE 17,
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.
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