Reasons for Designation
Stockbridge Down is one of few surviving areas of undisturbed chalk downland
in Wessex and contains a range of generally well preserved archaeological
features. A survey of the area has confirmed the survival of
prehistoric round barrows, linear earthworks and field systems, all to the
south of the Iron Age hillfort of Woolbury.
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 particualry representative of their period
and a substantial proportion of surviving examples are considered worthy of
protection.
The bowl barrow 400m south west of Woolbury hillfort on Stockbridge Down is a
well preserved example of its class and will contain archaeological remains
providing information about Bronze Age burial practices, economy and
environment.
The monument is situated within an area of unrestricted public access.
Details
The monument includes a Bronze Age ditched bowl barrow, part of a dispersed
group of barrows situated to the south of Woolbury hillfort on the southern
slopes of Stockbridge Down. The monument lies on the crest of a knoll c.400m
south west of the hillfort.
The barrow has a mound 11m in diameter and 0.5m high. Surrounding this is the
ditch from which material to construct the mound was quarried. Although no
longer visible on the surface, this will survive as a buried feature c.2m
wide.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
26747
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
