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.
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.
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
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
