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 1600-1300 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 large bell barrow set on level ground 1km south-
east of the River Enborne. The barrow is 55m in diameter and stands to a
height of 2m. The central mound has a diameter of 30m. This is surrounded by
a berm c.5m across, a low bank and a ditch from which the mound material
was quarried. This survives to a width of 7.5m and is 0.5m deep.
A hollow in the centre of the mound suggests it may have been partially
excavated, probably in the 19th century.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
12234
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
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
