Legend has it that a golden image is buried in this tumulus. One night, a long time ago, some local people thought they would dig it up. As they began in the moonlight, they heard the sound of horse's hooves - and looking up saw the apparition of a headless man on horseback, clutching his severed head under his arm. Understandably they were terrified and abandoned their plan instantly, fleeing into the night. No-one has attempted to claim the treasure since.
(theme collected by Grinsell in 'folklore of prehistoric sites')
The excellent ‘Hampshire Treasures’ resource gives the following information – “Bell Barrow - Angle Down. SU462528. Grass covered mound 25m. across by 2.6m. high. Surrounding ditch. Probable internal cairn of flints. Subject to ploughing”. This is a scheduled ancient monument, no.331.
Plus “Angle Down. SU462528. Flattened mound of flints 15m. in diameter. Probable bowl barrow with indications of a ditch. Under plough.”
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Posted by Rhiannon
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