Hagworm Hill round barrow

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.

Although known to have been excavated and partially reconstructed, Hagworm Hill round barrow will still retain archaeological information. Parts of the mound and the buried ditch surrounding it remain undisturbed and further burials may survive. The barrow is one of a group of similar monuments on Seamer Moor and will contribute to an understanding of the development and use of this group.

Details

The monument includes a large earthen mound 44m in diameter and 3m high. It is steep sided and has a flattened top. Although no longer visible at ground level, a ditch, which was excavated during the construction of the monument, surrounds the barrow mound. This has become infilled over the years but survives as a buried feature 2m wide. The site was partially excavated by 19th century antiquarians and burials placed within stone-lined cists were discovered. More detailed investigations were undertaken in the 1970's which revealed further burials, some accompanied by Bronze Age pottery sherds and worked flint. The mound was also found to have been surrounded by a kerb of stones. A similar ring of stones was also found within the barrow mound.

MAP EXTRACT The site of the monument is shown on the attached map extract. It includes a 4 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:

21070

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Conyngham, A D, JBAA in JBAA 1848, Vol. 4, (1848), 102-3

Other
NY 1057, Pacitto, A, English Heritage Ancient Monuments Record Form, (1987)
09124, North Yorkshire SMR (09124),

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