Reasons for Designation
Round cairns are prehistoric funerary monuments dating to the Bronze Age
(c.2000-700 BC). They were constructed as stone mounds covering single or
multiple burials. These burials may be placed within the mound in stone-lined
compartments called cists. In some cases the cairn was surrounded by a ditch.
Often occupying prominent locations, cairns are a major visual element in the
modern landscape. They are a relatively common feature of the uplands and are
the stone equivalent of the earthen round barrows of the lowlands. Their
considerable variation in form and longevity as a monument type provide
important information on the diversity of beliefs and social organisation
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 the remains of three round cairns of Bronze Age date,
situated on the summit of Dod Hill and in three separate areas of protection.
The cairns lie in a row on an east-west axis with wide views in all
directions. The adjacent prehistoric and medieval sites are the subject of
separate schedulings.
The largest and most easterly round cairn is situated in a prominent position
on the edge of the summit. The stone built cairn measures 12m in diameter and
stands to a maximum height of 0.4m high. The western side of the cairn has
been partially disturbed by a walkers cairn and a large, flat stone,
interpreted as the capstone of a cist, has been exposed.
The second round cairn lies 20m west of the first. This round cairn is 3.5m in
diameter and stands to a maximum height 0.3m. It retains traces of a
surrounding kerb.
The third and most westerly cairn lies 50m west of the second, measures 4m in
diameter and stands up to 0.3m high.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
31746
Legacy System:
RSM
End of official list entry
