Morden Park Mound Round Barrow(s) View all content for Morden Park Mound

".... In the 1950's the late Dr. Crawford of the OS thought its appearance warranted its marking as an ancient burial mound on OS maps. At the same time, Professor Sheppard Frere inspected it and gave his opinion that it was a native British pagan burial mound probably erected shortly after the Roman Conquest of Britain when native Iron Age customs still persisted. He noted in particular its large size and steep sides, characteristic of burial mounds of that period. Opinions of such eminence must be accepted, but proof could only be obtained by excavation, which would not be appropriate. However, other evidence may support the theory that the Mound already existed before the formation of the estate in the late 18C. Early 18C maps do not show this feature, but local field names may provide some clues to its earlier existence. From Tudor times onwards, one of the large fields here was called ' Gallowsfield' and there are a number of instances in Surrey of such a name being associated with burial mounds. Again an 'Extent' or valuation of Westminster Abbey's manor of Morden, taken in 1312, includes land called 'Dedemanforlonges' in a list of the demesne lands, which were mostly in the area either side of London Road between Morden Park and Morden Hall. The name may possibly refer to a burial mound, though it may merely refer to memorable death in the area. ....." Extract from "Morden Park" Merton Library Service on behalf of The Merton Hist. Soc. Sept.2002 ISBN 0905174402 This seems as far as one can go with this enigmatic mound until new excavations can confirm its true antiquity.

Posted by jimit 15th April 2003ce

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