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.
The bell barrow 250m north east of Hillamsland is a comparatively well
preserved example of its class. The bowl barrow, a more common type of
barrow, is also comparatively well preserved. Both are part of a dispersed
group of barrows on the heathlands in this area and will contain
archaeological remains providing information about Bronze Age burial
practices, economy and environment.
Details
The monument includes a bell barrow known as Belle Vue Barrow, and a bowl
barrow, 250m north east of Hillamsland, part of a dispersed group of barrows
on the former heathlands of Hampreston and East Parley. The bell barrow has a
mound formerly recorded as being 22m in diameter, surrounded by a sloping
berm, 4m wide, and is 1.5m high. Surrounding the mound and berm is a quarry
ditch from which material was excavated during the construction of the barrow.
This has become infilled over the years but survives as a buried feature 3m
wide. Approximately 12m south west of the bell barrow is a bowl barrow which
has a mound, 10m in diameter and approximately 1m high, surrounded by a quarry
ditch which survives as a buried feature approximately 2m wide.
All fence posts are excluded from the scheduling although the ground beneath
these features is included.
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.
