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 500m north east of Beacon Farm, one of a
dispersed group of barrows on Parley and Ferndown Commons. The bell barrow
has a mound, 25m in diameter, surrounded by a sloping berm, c.3m wide, and is
3m high. Surrounding the mound and berm is a quarry ditch from which material
was excavated during the construction of the barrow. This is visible as a
depression up to 4m wide and 0.8m deep. A second barrow c.80m to the north is
the subject of a separate scheduling.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
29552
Legacy System:
RSM
End of official list entry
