Reasons for Designation
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 particularly representative of their period
and a substantial proportion of surviving examples are considered worthy of
protection.
Details
The monument, which lies in three areas, includes three bowl barrows in
prominent locations north east of Thorncombe Beacon. The barrows have mounds
which vary in size from 30m to 35m in diameter and between 1m and 3.7m in
height. Each barrow is surrounded by a quarry ditch from which material was
excavated during its construction. These have become infilled over the years
but survive as buried features approximately 3m wide.
All fence posts are excluded from the scheduling, although the ground beneath
is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
29574
Legacy System:
RSM
End of official list entry
