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 1500-1100 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 bell barrow set on a small promontory overlooked by
higher ground to the east and west. The barrow mound stands to a height of
1.5m and is 22m in diameter. Surrounding the barrow mound are a narrow berm
and a ditch from which mound material was quarried. This survives as a low
earthwork 4m wide and 0.1m deep. The barrow mound is sited some 130m north-
east of a long barrow.
The site was partially excavated between 1855 and 1859. Finds included a
cremation burial and a grooved bone pin.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
12171
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
