Reasons for Designation
A burnt mound is an accumulation of burnt (fire-crazed) stones, ash and
charcoal, usually sited next to a river or lake. On excavation, some form of
trough or basin capable of holding water is normally found in close
association with the mound. The size of the mound can vary considerably; small
examples may be under 0.5m high and less than 10m in diameter, larger examples
may exceed 3m in height and be 35m in diameter. The shape of the mound ranges
from circular to crescentic. The associated trough or basin may be found
within the body of the mound or, more usually, immediately adjacent to it. At
sites which are crescentic in shape the trough is normally found within the
`arms' of the crescent and the mound has the appearance of having developed
around it.
The main phase of use of burnt mounds spans the Early, Middle and Late Bronze
Age, a period of around 1000 years. The function of the mounds has been a
matter of some debate, but it appears that cooking, using heated stones to
boil water in a trough or tank, is the most likely use. Some excavated sites
have revealed several phases of construction, indicating that individual sites
were used more than once.
Burnt mounds are found widely scattered throughout the British Isles, with
around 100 examples identified in England. As a rare monument type which
provides an insight into life in the Bronze Age, all well-preserved examples
will normally be identified as nationally important.
Details
The monument includes the known extent of the buried and earthwork remains of
a burnt mound in Fox Hollies Park lying to the north of Westley Brook.
The burnt mound includes a low oval mound approximately 0.3m high and
measuring 14m by 9m, orientated approximately east to west. The matrix of the
mound is visible as an area of small heat-crazed cobbles in gritty black
soil. A geophysical survey of the area revealed dense concentrations of stone
as well as at least seven probable pits, three hearths and four troughs. In
addition the line of the old stream course remains visible around the mound.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
35110
Legacy System:
RSM
End of official list entry
