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 this barrow has been partially excavated and altered by agricultural
activity it remains visible as a mound. Further evidence of the structure of
the mound, the surrounding ditch and burials will survive. It will also
contribute to an understanding of the wider group of which it is a member.
Details
The monument includes a Bronze Age bowl barrow, one of a group of similar
monuments in this area of the Yorkshire Wolds, and is situated on the edge of
a disused and partially infilled chalk quarry. The barrow mound is 0.3m high
and 25m in diameter. Although no longer visible at ground level, a ditch, from
which material 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 4m wide. The barrow has twice been investigated
by antiquarians, in 1851 by James Silburn, and again in 1882 by J R Mortimer,
when two inhumations, one cremation, and other fragments of human bone were
found.
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.