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, lying on the end of a prominent chalk
spur overlooking the valley of the River Avon to the south east.
The barrow has a mound 28m in diameter and 2.5m high. The outer edge of a
ditch, visible at a distance of 12m from the edge of the mound on its northern
side, indicates that the mound and surrounding ditch are separated by a berm.
The remainder of the ditch, from which material to construct the mound was
quarried, will survive as a buried feature.
All fence posts are excluded from the scheduling although the ground beneath
these features is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
26811
Legacy System:
RSM
End of official list entry
