Latest Miscellany

OK, not the most upstanding fort you’ll ever see, having been much impacted over the years by gravel workings... however, well worth stopping off for a visit, seeing as this is a fine corner of Essex.

In summary, Historic England reckons:

“A slight univallate hillfort which lies roughly in the centre of the Dengie peninsular, on a plateau rather than a hilltop. The defences include a bank and external ditch, which as visible on the east & south of the enclosure as earthworks. Bronze Age and Iron Age. There is conjectural evidence (through finds) for reoccupation in the Roman period and in the early Anglo-Saxon period.”

Coflein description:

A possible cairn, set upon a summit, 8.0m in diameter and 0.4m high, has had a shelter constructed into its centre and an OS triangulation pillar erected upon its S margins.

There are reports of a circular feature, or earthwork in this vicinity.

Coflein descriptions:

I – at SN81150591 13.4m in diameter and 0.6m high, with indications of internal structure and having a modern shelter constructed over its N side;

II – at SN81200589 7.0m in diameter and showing signs of robbing.

III – at SN8105005840 A simple regular, round cairn, 8.0m in diameter and 0.3m high, with occasional kerbing showing about the perimeter.

Coflein descriptions of the two cairns:

Large round cairn (A) measuring c. 20.4m long from E to W by c. 17.7m wide and 0.9m high. The base of the mound may be partly natural and the actual cairn appears to have been circular and about 15.2m in diameter. A kerb of slabs laid flat is visible for a short distance to the S. At the centre are irregular hollows and a dry-built modern shelter.

At 12m NE of cairn A is another circular mound of stones about 7.6m in diameter and 0.6m high. A deep central hollow testifies to disturbance and shows the cairn is built mainly of slabs lying flat upon one another.

Well seen – assuming one knows what it represents – from the fantastic drystone ramparts of Foel Faner, this small promontory fort is not recorded by either OS or Coflein; however GAT (PRN 19655) have this to say:

“A small rounded hillock forming a promontory has a grassed-over bank along the neck of the promontory. The bank is still steep on the outside, partly degraded by stock trampling in the past but now stable. It is c.3m wide and up to 1m high on the inner side. There is no external ditch but there is an internal quarry ditch most clear at the east about 3m wide. There is no obvious entrance. Parts of the rest of the hillock are naturally sheer but at the S has relatively accessible slopes although there is no evidence of a bank there. The earthworks are clearly visible from Moel Faner and it is surprising that neither Gresham or the OS noticed them. The ramparts appear to be earthworks rather than walls. There are no signs of internal huts or platforms. (Smith, 2006)”

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.

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.

This is almost definitely a natural rock outcrop on the boundary between common heath and forestry. The site consists of a massive stone block, c.2m high x 3m wide x 3.5m long, originally recorded as a possible standing stone by the RCAHM in 1914, which lies in association with other outcropping rocks. Natural feature. N Cook PFRS 2004

Prehistoric Funerary & Ritual Sites Project Pembrokeshire 2003-2004 ( © DAT)

G. Rosscuithnidh ; headland, referring most probably to the promintory on which Invergordon stands, now called ‘ An Rudha. ‘ The latter part is rather difficult. Dr Joyce notes in Ireland such names as Quinhie and Feaghquinney, from Ir. cuinche, pronounced nearly queenha, the arbutus tree. This suits the phonetics of Roscuithnidh, which would thus mean arbutus head. In a field by the roadside, near the Parish Chuch, is Clach a’ Mheirlich, the thief’s stone.

Rosskeen Parish Place Names

Four bowl barrows crest King’s Ridge upon Frensham Common: a large, solitary monument to the north (SU85329 40783) with a trio to its immediate south (SU85340 40644).

Much to my chagrin, the common proved to be an overwhelmingly popular haunt for dog walkers, equestrians, mountain bikers and moronic motorbikers during Easter 2023... none of which, as you would no doubt expect in the Surrey Stockbroker Belt, appeared to have the slightest interest in visiting ancient heritage.

Ironically, however – and for all the wrong reasons – it would appear this was not always the case, a perusal of The Surrey Archaeological Society’s website revealing the extent of serious past erosion by ignorant common users – damn them all to blazes! Sadly, this has necessitated the isolation of the monuments within fencelines, something I abhor, but understand in this instance... although a kissing gate would’ve been a welcome – and rather obvious – amenity to placate those venturing upon the common to use their brain. As it is I was able to access the triple alignment owing to damage to said fence... the latter something a pedestrian gate may well have prevented. But there you are – please bear this in mind should you choose to come.

Historic England has the following to note:

Northern:
“... a bowl barrow situated on the crest of a ridge in the Lower Greensand. The barrow mound has dimensions of 20m north-south by 23m east-west by 1.8m high. Surrounding the mound is a ditch from which material was quarried during the construction of the monument. This is no longer visible, having become infilled over the years, but survives as a buried feature c.3m wide.”

Triple alignment:
“... three bowl barrows aligned north-south and situated on the crest of a ridge in the Lower Greensand. The northern and largest of the three barrows has a mound 30m in diameter and 2m high with a slight dip in the centre suggesting that it was once partially excavated. This mound is surrounded by a ditch from which material was quarried during the construction of the monument. Visible remains of this survive to the north and west of the mound as an earthwork 3m wide and 0.5m deep; elsewhere it survives as a buried feature. The central barrow has a mound 15m in diameter and 1.1m high. This too shows evidence of probable partial excavation and is also surrounded by a ditch still visible as a slight depression to the east and west of the mound. The southern barrow comprises a mound 18m in diameter and 1.2m high with a surrounding ditch 3m wide and 0.5m deep visible to the east and south.”

Coflein description:

Five cairns, 2.1-3.4m across and 0.1m high, have been noted in an area of “faint humps”, possibly representing further cairns.

5 cairns marked on the OS 1:25000 map, in a line running from NNW to SSE over the course of about 3/4 of a mile. Coflein descriptions, NNW – SSE:

Cairn I (SO0751705038)

This Bronze Age cairn lies on a relatively level part of Merthyr Common. It measures 5.2 metres in diameter and stands 0.30 metres high with a slight dip in its centre. It is grass-covered so the make-up and structure of the cairn cannot be ascertained.

Round barrow (SO0754504975)

First surveyed in 1960, this low, grass-covered, stony mound lies to the east of the minor road, NPRN 528728, that runs down Merthyr Common. It measures 8.5 metres east to west by 6.1 metres and 0.2 metres high. When the area was surveyed as part of the Uplands Initiative by Trysor in 2012 vegetation cover was grass.

Ring cairn (SO0773904493)

This small ring cairn is one of several cairns on this relatively level area of Merthyr Common. It measures about 9 metres overall, with the ring itself being 3 metres wide and 0.3 metres high. It is grass-covered but a few stones can be seen, the southwest part of the cairn has been damaged by vehicles in the past.

Possible ring cairn (SO0779304404)

This cairn on the eastern side of the minor road across Merthyr Common measures 16.8m in overall diameter. It is defined by an encircling bank of stones 2.5m wide and 0.4m high on the west, diminishing to 1.8m wide and 0.3m high on the east. Whether a robbed round cairn or possible ring cairn is uncertain. Previously surveyed in 1960 and 1979.
A centrally placed electricity pole has been sawn off at the base. When the area was surveyed as part of the Uplands Initiative by Trysor in 2012 vegetation cover was grass and moss.

Possible ring cairn II (SO0785004250)

A turf-covered ring of stones measures 14.9m (N-S) by 13.7m overall, 1.5m wide and 0.2m high. A large amount of loose stone at the centre of the ring suggests the former presence of an internal platform though possibly caused by more recent stone dumping. Like its neighbour it is unclear whether this is a robbed round cairn or a disturbed ring cairn.

An electricity pole has previously been inserted into the inside of the ring on the south, but this has now been refused.

Coflein descriptions, north to south:

Northern cairn I (SO0792003970)

A turf-covered cairn with many stones exposed, much of the cairn having been robbed. There are no visible traces of a cist or other structural features, nor of a surrounding ditch. The cairn measures 11.6m diameter and takes the form of a platform 0.1m high with a rim 2.5m wide raised to 0.3m high. On the north-east is superimposed eccentrically a second mound 6.1m in diameter and 0.3m high. The latter may well have resulted from interference with the mound. The site is otherwise as described in 1960 (RC Inventory) and 1979 (OS).

Northern cairn II (SO0795003980)

A low circular bank 1.5m wide and 0.2m high, 15m in overall diameter. Set eccentrically (SW) within the otherwise level and stoneless interior lies a mutilated mound 5m in diameter and 0.2m high.

Summit cairn I (SO0791303464)

This grass-covered stony mound lies in a prominent position on top of a ridge on Merthyr Common. It measures 9m (N-S) by 8m and 0.5m high and has an uneven dished surface. When the area was surveyed as part of the Uplands Initiative by Trysor in 2012 vegetation cover was bilberries and grass.

Summit cairn II (SO0788003330)

A turf-covered cairn measuring 4.8m in diameter and 0.5m high is surmounted by a OS trig pillar. This may represent the re-use of a round barrow though the mound may have been created to support the pillar.

Southern cairn (SO0796003010)

A cairn on open land is defined by a slightly raised circular platform and measures 12m in overall diameter. Around it is a perimeter bank 2m wide and 0.3m high which contains three protruding stones. But on its west side it is dominated by outcropping rock and boulders. A possible ring cairn or rimmed platform cairn.

GGAT description:

Upright slab of sandstone, trapezoidal in shape. Flat faces to SW and NE, leans slightly towards NE. Slab is spalling, but not apparently very badly. Ground worn into shallow hollow on NE side, revealing small blocks and slabs of sandstone; others are visible on the other sides. Dimensions: Lgth base 0.9m, top 0.65m; max ht 0.85m; 0.3m thck.

(1956) A considerable weathered stone slab situated on the top of a hill. It is 0.8m wide, 0.7m high, and 0.3m thick. There is no visible trace of surrounding mound. It looks as though it has been erected, but in this area rock-outcrop is often similar in appearance though usually it has a slight lean in contrast to this stone.

(1976) An upright slab too small for inclusion.
GGAT 72 Prehistoric Funerary and Ritual Sites Project.

CADW scheduling description of the cairnfield:

The monument comprises the remains of several prehistoric round cairns, burial mounds probably dating to the Bronze Age (c.2300 BC – 800 BC). Located on an elongated plateau at nearly 360m above OD, the number of cairns is exceptional.

Seventy-eight small stony mounds have been identified scattered irregularly over an area about 640m north-south by 230m wide. One mound (Cairn A) is 6.1m in diameter and 0.6m high and appears to have contained a cist and to have been surrounded by a rough kerb. The remainder comprise structureless cairns of stone, mostly very low and inconspicuous; only three are as much as 1m high. The majority (sixty-six) have their larger diameters ranging from 2.8 to 6.7m; of these, fifty-one are round, the rest oval. Ten are larger, four being round measuring from 7.3 to 10.4m in diameter, the remainder being oval, lengths ranging from 8 to 11m. Near the northern limit of the group, a low bank, about 3.7m wide and 0.6m high where best preserved crosses the plateau. Near its eastern end two upright slabs 1.7m apart probably indicate its original width. A branch to the south forms an incomplete enclosure. Near the southern limit are the foundations of two rectangular buildings about 10.7 by 4.6m, now represented by slight low banks about 0.9m wide. The presence of these buildings and of the low bank suggests that some of the cairns may be no more than clearance dumps, but some would be acceptable in isolation as burial cairns, especially that which shows traces of kerbing, and the larger cairn at the south-eastern limit of the group.

Directions: Take the B213 Ivybridge turn off the A38. If you exit from the E, turn R, cross over the A38 and take the first L on the roundabout signposted for Cornwood. If you exit from the W, take the first L on the roundabout signposted for Cornwood. Follow the Cornwood Road for c. I mile until you reach a mini roundabout. Take the L turn onto a narrow lane for Cornwood. Stay on this road for c. 2.5 miles until you reach the Cornwood Inn at a crossroads in Cornwood. Take the R turn for Torr/Harford onto a lane. After 0.25 miles stay straight on the lane. After another c. 0.5 miles stay straight. After another 0.25 miles turn L up an un-signposted lane and bear R after a sharp corner. Follow this narrow leafy lane for c. 0.25 mile then take the L fork. The road will end c. 0.4 mile later just after Watercombe Farm. Park as close as possible and follow the track for c. 0.5 mile past the water treatment buildings reaching the open moorland of Stalldown Moor. When you are 100 yards clear of the buildings strike N uphill towards Stalldown Stone Row relying on GPS or Map Reading to reach the Southern Terminal 0.5 mile N at SX 63218 62074.

Two cairns on Mynydd Llangeinwyr, Coflein/GGAT descriptions:

Southern cairn (SS9197090610)

An oval stony mound, 7.6m E-W by 6.1m and 0.3m high.

Entirely grass-covered and roughly flat-topped mound, slightly dished in from the edges; stone can be detected in the interior so it is unlikely to be a ring cairn, unless the centre was later filled. Sheep track runs across monument N-S, and appears to have dug into it slightly.

Northern cairn (SS9198291967)

This low circular cairn measures 6 metres in diameter, and is up to 0.5 metres high. It is covered with bilberry and grass.

The northern cairn is not marked on the OS map.

Two (possible) cairns on the upper slopes of Pant Blaenhirwr, Coflein descriptions:

Garn Lwyd (SS9198090140)

A suggested ring cairn, 14m SW-NE to 12.5m overall diameter, in an uncharacteristic on a steep NE-facing slope.

Pant Blaenhirwr SW (SS9170189893)

A low mound, 3.5 metres in diameter and 0.3 metres high with a high stone content. The vegetation cover was grass in December 2011.

Directions to Drumduff Cairn

Take the rough track at NX 0929 7737 on the A77. After c. 200 yards park up at a junction: there is a ditch in the road blocking further progress. Head c. 100 yards N along the track, go straight into a field. Head W alongside the fence, following the fence round a corner towards a dry stane dyke. The dry stane dyke heads WSW to the cairn on the summit of Carlock Hill. My route is viewable on Carlock Hill Cairn.

Directions to Drumduff Cairn

Drumduff Cairn is located in open moorland c. 4 miles S of Ballantrae. Take the unsigned single track road SE off the A77 at NX 0943 7895. Bear left after c. 0.3 mile. Follow this narrow track for c. 1.7 miles to a lay-by at NX 0699 7710. Walk c. 200 yards W along the track to a belt of trees at NX 0681 7705. Follow the grass track heading S for c. 0.5 miles to the track end at NX 0709 7632. Walk c. 220 yards W through rough moorland to reach Drumduff Cairn. My route can be viewed on Drumduff Cairn.

Directions to Penderry Hill:
There is a minor crossroads on the A77 at Glenapp Church, c. 6 miles S of Ballantrae and 4 miles N of Cairnryan. Take the unsigned road opposite Glenapp Church and turn immediately right onto a dead end at Glenapp Schoolhouse. Park up at NX 0743 7466 and follow the Ayrshire Coastal Path bearing right across the Water of App Bridge. Head SW and bear right up the ACP at NX 0671 7421. Follow the ACP for c. 1.2 miles to reach a pair of short standing stones at NX0552 7453. Continue N on the ACP for c. 0.2 miles to reach NX0561 7485. Head SE through a gate on the left. After c. 30 yards head N through a gate into open moorland. Follow a track heading N at first, then take a track heading NW up the slope. Maintain a NW bearing towards the OS Trig Point to reach the cairn on the summit of Penderry Hill. My c. 2.5 miles route is viewable on Penderry Hill Cairn.

Sharpitor Cist is in the centre of Sharpitor E Cairn, already listed in TMA as Sharpitor Cairns, submitted by pure joy.

From the Heritage England/Pastscape record:

The round barrow cemetery includes six bowl barrows, all of which have been excavated and all survive differentially: four are circular mounds of between 11.8m and 24m in diameter and from 0.2m up to 2.1m high surrounded by buried quarry ditches from which the construction material was derived; two are preserved as entirely buried structures layers and deposits visible as soil or crop marks on aerial photographs with diameters of 10.9m and 21.9m. Two of the extant mounds are conjoined but excavation showed them to be two entirely separate bowl barrows.

All except one of the bowl barrows were excavated by Cunnington in the period from 1855-8. They produced a wide range of finds, including barbed and tanged arrowheads, burnt bones, animal bones, daggers, worked antler, a quartz pebble, whetstones, a slate wrist guard, a bell beaker and sherds of Romano-British pottery as well as the primary and secondary cremations and inhumations set into grave pits or wooden boxes. One further bowl barrow was excavated by Thurnam in the mid 19th century but only an empty cist was revealed. The southernmost ‘barrow’ excavated by W Cunnington in 1805 appeared not to be a bowl barrow despite still surviving as a circular mound of 15m in diameter and up to 1m high. Instead this mound was a hlaew which contained a primary Anglo-Saxon inhumation orientated east to west and accompanied by an iron ring, a bone gaming piece and a shield boss. A second excavation (by a different Cunnington – Henry or William Jnr) carried out in 1877 which produced a flint knife and whetstone may not have been from this mound at all.

The entire cemetery lies within the Registered Battlefield – the Battle of Roundway Down, 1643 – an English Civil War skirmish which saw a defeat for the Parliamentary forces many of whom were killed as cavalry horses hurtled over the steep scarp sides at nearby Oliver’s Castle (scheduled separately) plunging into what became known as ‘Bloody Ditch’.

Wiltshire and Swindon HER Descriptions of the barrows that still exist above ground surface level, from west to east:

Northwestern barrow (SU01490 64839)

Two confluent bowl barrows. The West mound was opened and revealed a wooden coffin containing burnt bones and a dagger. East mound contained a primary cremation and other finds. Also an intrusive burial of unknown date. Barrow G5b contained a small unworked pebble with a fractured end. It was Petrologically tested and found to be a rolled chert pebble. An unworked fragment of stone from the primary cremation in barrow G5b was also Petrologically tested and found to be coarse grained grey sandstone, and two other fragments of stone proved to be ferruginous sandstone.

Southwestern barrow (SU 01937 64340)

Bowl barrow with intrusive Saxon burial, opened by William Cunnington in 1805, who also found an iron ring, bone gaming pieces and a possible shield boss. Thought to have been opened again in 1877 by Henry or William Cunnington Jnr., who recovered a flint knife. An irregularly shaped tabular whetstone from a primary cremation in the bowl barrow was sent for Petrological testing, and was identified as being made of fine grained reddish sandstone.

Central barrow (SU02128 64604)

Bowl barrow opened by J Thurnam who found an empty cist indicating a previous disturbance.

Eastern barrow (SU02513 64754)

Mutilated Bronze Age bowl barrow.

Several cairns of various types along the Mynydd Bach ridge. North to south descriptions:

Mynydd Bach 2/Maesycymmer cairn (ST1703292614)

GGAT description:

A robbed cairn 16m in diameter with a few stones protruding through its grass covered surface. It is 0.6m high on the E side and 0.2m high on the W side. There are shallow depressions in the top and sides. No cist or retaining circle is visible.

Maesycymmer Ring Cairn (ST16979246)

Not shown on the OS map. GGAT description:

A cairn 23m in diameter with a maximum height of 1m. A fragmentary rim is visible but within the rim mutilation is extensive and the mound is of irregular height and plan. No cist is visible. The cairn is partly grass covered and is in the path of an encroaching coal tip.

Mynydd Bach 1/Ynysddu/Pen-rhiw cairn (ST1678991977)

GGAT description:

The cairn is situated on the top of the ridge, in a grass field. It is turf covered, c.13m in diameter and 1m high. In the middle two slabs of a cist are showing, 1m and 0.75m long, in a depression, 1.5m by 1.5m and 0.7m deep. Some small stones are lying in this depression, and some larger ones are lying on the surface. On the northern side is a disturbance hollow, turf-covered, 2m in diameter, and 0.5m deep, with a few large stones lying in it. To the W of the cairn is an area of quarrying.

Pont Bren Gwyn ring cairn (ST1708091940)

Not shown on the OS map. Coflein description:

On a narrow strip of open land between field walls and a track over the mountain lies the remains of a ring feature. It is defined by an arc of stony bank, open on the W side, measuring 2m-3m wide and 0.5m high on the outer E side but only 0.25m internally. The overall diameter of the ring would have been about 10.5m.

Coflein description:

A possible standing stone near the intersection of a field boundary and road south-west of Tyle-gwyn Farm, Wyllie of presently undetermined date and character.

A.N. Coward, RCAHMW, 02.01.2019