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
Ring Holt is a Bronze Age bowl barrow occupying a commanding position on a
south western facing hill slope above a tributary of the River Lymn, some 460m
SSW of Dalby Bar.
The circular barrow mound, which was constructed against the summit of the
hill, is approximately 30m in diameter and 1.5m high, with a rounded profile
and a flattened top. It is thought that this flattening is due to arable
erosion and weathering and that the mound may have originally stood higher,
when it would have been a notable feature against the skyline.
Traces of an infilled and buried ditch are evident around the northern arc of
the barrow mound. Material used in the construction of the mound would have
been quarried from this ditch.
There is no evidence to indicate that the barrow has ever been excavated and
it is thought to be largely intact.
The bench seat to the north of the barrow is excluded from the scheduling,
although the ground beneath it is included.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
29704
Legacy System:
RSM
End of official list entry
