Reasons for Designation
Round barrows 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 mounds, sometimes ditched, which covered
single or multiple burials. They occur either in isolation or grouped as
cemeteries and often acted as a focus of 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 examples recorded nationally (many more have already
been destroyed), occurring across most of Britain, including the Wessex area
where it is often possible to classify them more closely, for example as bowl
or bell barrows. Often occupying prominent locations, they are a major
historic element in the modern landscape and their considerable variation in
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 two round barrows which are situated in a prominent
position towards the top of a west-facing slope. It lies near the head of
Troutsdale, on the central plateau of the Tabular Hills.
The northern barrow has an earthen mound which stands up to 1.6m high and
has a maximum diameter of 14m. The eastern half of the mound has largely
been removed by partial excavation in the past and is no more than 0.3m
high; the remaining higher western part of the mound is crescent-shaped
and has a maximum width of 7m east to west.
The southern barrow lies 16m to the south of the northern barrow. It has
an earthen mound which stands up to 1.3m high and has a maximum diameter
of 13m. Partial excavation in the past has left the surface of the mound
irregular with a hollow in the centre.
The round barrows lie in an area in which there are many other prehistoric
monuments, including further barrows and the remains of prehistoric land
division.
The fence which runs approximately north to south at the north east and
south east edges of the monument 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:
35166
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
