 
|
Posted by GLADMAN
22nd April 2023ce
|
Driving north upon Seale Road, the traveller intent upon ascending Long Hill is alerted to the existence of this barrow cemetery - actually a rare 'triple bell barrow' (the only other example I can recall being the Advent Triple Barrow upon Bodmin Moor) - by the access drive to 'Three Barrows Place' to his/her left. Ask here if, like The Citizen Cairn, you'd much rather spread harmony than discord... since, in retrospect, methinks the multiple monument sits upon private land.
Although heavily overgrown, clearly this was - hey, still remains - a well-preserved, impressive site. Historic England has this to say:
"The monument includes a triple bell barrow situated on a low ridge in the Lower Greensand. It comprises three mounds in a slightly offset line running NNW-SSE and surrounded by a single ditch and outer bank. The northern mound is 10m in diameter and 0.8m high, the middle mound 16m in diameter and 1.8m high and the southern mound is 13m in diameter and 1m high. There is a hollow in the top of the central mound suggesting that it was once partially excavated. Around the mounds is a level platform, or berm, which is contained by a single ditch. This has become partially infilled over the years, the majority of it surviving as a buried feature; however, it can still be seen at ground level on the eastern side of the monument where it survives to 3m wide and 0.3m deep. Beyond the ditch are the remains of an outer bank 4.5-5m wide and 0.2m high which is also best preserved on the eastern side of the monument."
Note that the two bowl barrows upon Long Hill to the approx northwest are pretty substantial... so you'll want to see them, too. It'd be rude not to, while you're here.
|
Posted by GLADMAN
22nd April 2023ce
|
There are actually two bowl barrows here upon Long Hill (Crooksbury Hill is some way to the approx northwest): that to the northwest, substantial and reasonably well preserved; its companion to the south-east is a little less upstanding but still pretty voluminous. One assumes Rhiannon is referring to the excellent triple bell barrow upon Turners Hill located within woodland to the approx southeast? The siting and vibe are excellent, with sweeping views across Crooksbury Common to the south.
Historic England has the following to say:
"The monument includes two bowl barrows, aligned north-west to south-east, situated on a south-facing rise on the Lower Greensand. The northern barrow comprises a mound 22m in diameter and 2m high with a surrounding ditch from which material was quarried during the construction of the monument. This is no longer visible at ground level, having become infilled over the years, but survives as a buried feature c.3m wide. The second barrow, less than 20m to the south-east, has a mound 16m in diameter and 1.1m high with a slight central hollow suggesting that the barrow was once partially excavated. This too is surrounded by a quarry ditch which survives as a buried feature c.2.5m wide."
Access to the common is via an off-road parking area from Seale Road. Follow the track heading to your left, prior to veering uphill to the right.
|
Posted by GLADMAN
22nd April 2023ce
Edited 18th May 2023ce |
     
|
Posted by GLADMAN
21st April 2023ce |
|
Log in |
Register
Previous 10 | Showing 11-20 of 278 posts. Most recent first | Next 10 
Top of page