Reasons for Designation
Round cairns are prehistoric funerary monuments dating to the Bronze Age
(c.2000-700 BC). They were constructed as stone mounds covering single or
multiple burials. These burials may be placed within the mound in stone-lined
compartments called cists. In some cases the cairn was surrounded by a ditch.
Often occupying prominent locations, cairns are a major visual element in the
modern landscape. They are a relatively common feature of the uplands and are
the stone equivalent of the earthen round barrows of the lowlands. Their
considerable variation in form and longevity as a monument type provide
important information on the diversity of beliefs and social organisation
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 monument includes a small cairn situated in a prominent position on a
natural limestone outcrop overlooking Littondale. It is constructed of loose
limestone fragments which can be seen in places protruding through the thin
turf. The cairn is oval with measurements of 11m by 8m, the long axis running
north west to south east, and an average height of c.0.7m. The foundation of a
boundary wall runs up the west side of the mound and is included in the
scheduling. The cairn lies approximately 300m south east of a prehistoric
settlement site, which is scheduled separately.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
27938
Legacy System:
RSM
End of official list entry
