Three disc barrows on Longmoor Common, 250m north west of the church

Reasons for Designation

Disc barrows, the most fragile type of round barrow, are funerary monuments of the Early Bronze Age, with most examples dating to the period 1400-1200 BC. They occur either in isolation or in barrow cemeteries (closely-spaced groups of round barrows). Disc barrows were constructed as a circular or oval area of level ground defined by a bank and internal ditch and containing one or more centrally or eccentrically located small, low mounds covering burials, usually in pits. The burials, normally cremations, are frequently accompanied by pottery vessels, tools and personal ornaments. It has been suggested that disc barrows were normally used for the burial of women, although this remains unproven. However, it is likely that the individuals buried were of high status. Disc barrows are rare nationally, with about 250 known examples, most of which are in Wessex. Their richness in terms of grave goods provides important evidence for chronological and cultural links amongst prehistoric communities over a wide area of southern England as well as providing an insight into their beliefs and social organisation. As a particularly rare and fragile form of round barrow, all identified disc barrows would normally be considered to be of national importance.

The disc barrows on Longmoor Common survive well and can be expected to retain archaeological remains and environmental evidence relating to each barrow's construction and use including the landscape in which the group developed. These barrows constitute one of only very few instances where disc barrows survive together. They are also the most easterly examples of this monument type yet recognized.

Details

The monument includes a group of three disc barrows situated on a sand ridge on the southern edge of Woolmer Down. The barrows are aligned on an approximately east to west axis. The western and central barrows are adjacent, and sit astride the spine of the ridge which would have offered good views to both the north and south. The eastern barrow lies 20m further east and is situated immediately south of a slight rise, which obscures visibility in this direction. The barrows are circular in plan and each has a flat central platform surrounded by a ditch and external bank. Originally, all of the barrows would have had similar external diameters of around 19m, although the eastern barrow has been disturbed on its northern side by vehicular traffic. The western barrow has a platform 13m in diameter with a ditch measuring 2m wide and 0.3m deep, and a bank 3m wide and 0.3m high. The central and eastern barrows both have platforms 10m in diameter, with ditches up to 4m wide and outer banks 3m wide.

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.

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

30280

Legacy System:

RSM

Sources

Books and journals
Graham, K D, Longmoor Camp Disc Barrows, (1998)

End of official list entry

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