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 includes a bowl barrow located on the crest of a hill to the west
of and overlooking the A11. The barrow is visible as an earthen mound, which
stands to a height of approximately 1.8m and covers a roughly circular area
measuring approximately 24m north-south by 21m east-west. The monument
represents the only survivor of a line of four barrows, two to the east and
two to the west of the main road. In 1923 the barrow was excavated by Earl
Cawdor and C Fox. It was found to be constructed of sand with a later clay
capping. No evidence was recorded for a primary burial beneath the mound, but
secondary burials in the form of three contracted inhumations and 11
cremations were excavated from the clay layer. Eight of the cremation burials
were accompanied by grave goods which included bone and bronze pins, a bone
necklace, various flint implements and four pottery vessels.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
31091
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
