Lanhill Long Barrow View all content for Lanhill (43 posts)

Today Rex and I visited Lanhill longbarrow just outside Chippenham. When I studied archaeology at college, this was the very first barrow we were taken to and the place gives me found memories of those days. I must have passed this place many times before I knew it was there as it is tucked away behind a hedge and some trees and is not easily seen from the road although it is probably only 50m away. I always find it easy to park here. Heading toward Bristol perhaps 200m on the left there is a metal gate across a gap in the hedge. A dropped curb allows you to turn onto the 'drive' in front of the gate and I always park on the grass on the right. Also on the right and across a small footbridge is a wooden sty which happens to have a little 'portcullis for Rex to go through. When you climb over the sty the barrow can be seen on the right about 75m away by the hedge. It was a very nice warm day so I took Rex around the field and took in the environment surrounding the barrow. Lan hill itself rises up to the southeast and a little stream babbles alone between the hill and the barrow. I followed the stream along the south edge of the barrow and I could see a long ditch running down from the barrow towards the stream. I not sure if this is anything to do with the barrow but I think it would have been mention somewhere if it was. As I was looking around a buzzard glided overhead looking for food, which gave the scene a timeless atmosphere. I walked up to the barrow along the ditch and took some photos. Today the barrow is still in good order albeit the information sign is now missing. I took a look inside the chamber situated on the south side, which has a dry-stone forecourt and a small blocking stone in front of it. Somebody had left a small owl like pot in the tomb, which was quite cute. Maybe it was some sort of offering? Finding the chamber a little cramped I got out and took a wonder around the barrow. On the north side it is just possible to see where the other chamber used to be. The vegetation around the area is darker and less grassy. I seemed to remember from my studies that there was a false entrance on this side too, but I cannot remember where it was sited. I took some more pictures and took in some more of the atmosphere then called Rex back towards the car.

Posted by scubi63 4th February 2007ce

Comments (2)
About the owl offering, it was indeed a gesture towards old Gods, some probably not respectful of the energy of the place, more malign. Lilith and such. A close friend of mine removed the statue and put it up in a nearby tree. Offerings of gratitude and peace are left at the site upon every visit as everyone should do at all these Temples/Barrows. We often find the remnants of disrespectful observers at holy sites around wiltshire, it as both dissapointing and disturbing. Tidying the place up, not leaving rubbish and taking the time to think what the barrow might regard as respectful observance. Funny to see someone noticed the owl though.	Posted by Zealot84 10th February 2009ce
It is generally best to just not leave anything...	Posted by TMA Ed 15th February 2009ce
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