Purslow

Nearest town:
Bishop's Castle (8km NW)
OS reference:
SO3575580876
OS sheet:
137
Latitude:
52° 25' 18.19 N
Longitude:
2° 56' 41.39 W
Added to TMA by

Images

Image of Purslow (Round Barrow(s)) by spencer

N side of the barrow that is the root of my family tree… an ancient ash atop

Image credit: Mike Purslow
spencer
spencer May 7, 2025
Image of Purslow (Round Barrow(s)) by spencer

Seen from the Clun Road, showing how the barrow would be a skyline feature but for the trees that surround Purslow Hall

Image credit: Mike Purslow
spencer
spencer May 7, 2025

Articles

Purslow

spencer
spencer May 7, 2025

An annual pilgrimage to this most idyllic and unspoilt part of the world and where my family’s roots are. I had previously failed to spot this site when driving to and fro but this time, armed with a large scale map thought I’d give it another go. Only after locating and photographing it – it’s just described as a ‘mound’ – did I find via the HE listing that it dates not from the Dark Ages as I’d previously read but in fact is about three thousand years old and therefore eligible for inclusion on this site.
The theory that it is the resting place of a chieftain named Pussa is therefore incorrect, unless his remains were interred subsequently. I prefer the translation as ‘burial mound with the pear tree’ anyway. The current tree, a venerable ash, both disguises the site and perhaps, due to its size, is counter to the HE description as being in good condition. But… nice to bear the name of something prehistoric, eh? And if you ever get the chance to visit this supremely timeless area do not hesitate. You’ll come back again and again as I do. A E Housman was right. One day my ashes may lie here too.

Sites within 20km of Purslow

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