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.
Details
The Bronze Age bowl barrow, known locally as the `Rolling Pin', is situated
some 280m north west of St Mary's Church, near the top of a south east facing
slope in a public park near the centre of Chesham.
The barrow mound measures approximately 22.5m in diameter and, at c.1.7m,
stands close to its original height. Although the barrow is not sited on the
summit of the hill, it occupies a prominent position overlooking the valley to
the south east and stands out clearly against the horizon when viewed from the
valley floor. This setting, in common with many barrows in the region,
indicates a desire to make the mound visible from the prehistoric routes
between the hills. The mound's remarkable state of preservation reflects its
location within the former grounds of Bury Hill Gate, the rectorial manor of
Chesham Latimer. The manor house was demolished around 1800, shortly after the
estate was acquired by the Lowndes family who owned the adjacent property
known as The Bury. The grounds were subsequently opened as a public amenity,
and in 1953 the majority of the park was conveyed to the Urban District
Council. The barrow shows some signs of secondary use. The summit has been
flattened to form a level platform, some 10m across, and fragments of brick
have been noted in two places perhaps indicating the former presence of a
summer house or gazebo.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
27127
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
