Reasons for Designation
Round barrow cemeteries date to the Bronze Age (c.2000-700 BC). They comprise
closely-spaced groups of up to 30 round barrows - rubble or earthen mounds
covering single or multiple burials. Most cemeteries developed over a
considerable period of time, often many centuries, and in some cases acted as
a focus for burials as late as the early medieval period. They exhibit
considerable diversity of burial rite, plan and form, frequently including
several different types of round barrow, occasionally associated with earlier
long barrows. Where large scale investigation has been undertaken around them,
contemporary or later "flat" burials between the barrow mounds have often been
revealed. Round barrow cemeteries occur across most of lowland Britain, with a
marked concentration in Wessex. In some cases, they are clustered around other
important contemporary monuments such as henges. Often occupying prominent
locations, they are a major historic element in the modern landscape, whilst
their diversity and their longevity as a monument type provide important
information on the variety of beliefs and social organisation amongst early
prehistoric communities. They are particularly representative of their period
and a substantial proportion of surviving or partly-surviving examples are
considered worthy of protection.
Details
This monument includes three bowl barrows forming part of Bratley Plain round
barrow cemetery situated on lowland heath overlooking Backley Bottom. The two
southern barrow mounds both measure 6m in diameter and stand up to 0.2m high.
The northern mound measures 5m in diameter and is 0.2m high. Although no
longer visible at ground level, ditches, from which material was quarried
during the construction of the barrows, surround each mound. These have
become infilled over the years but survive as buried features c.1m wide.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
20319
Legacy System:
RSM
End of official list entry
