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 within two areas, includes four bowl barrows. The
first area of protection includes three barrows 515m south east of
St Gabriel's House. The second area of protection, containing the fourth
barrow lies 630m south east of St Gabriel's House. A fifth barrow at the south
west end of the first area has been partly excavated and is subject to
continuing coastal erosion. It is not included in the scheduling. The barrows
were originally recorded as being between 11m and 13m in diameter and between
1m and 1.2m high. However, due to a covering of wind blown sand, the partly
excavated barrow was found to be larger in diameter than it appeared on the
surface. It is possible that the other barrows in the group are similarly
buried and consequently larger in diameter. The four barrows are each
surrounded by a quarry ditch from which material was excavated during their
construction. These have become infilled over the years but survive as buried
features approximately 2m wide.
All fence posts, the stone footpath sign and the triangulation point 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:
29578
Legacy System:
RSM
Sources
Books and journals
Legal
This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance. This entry is a copy, the original is held by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
End of official list entry
