Giant’s Grave (Holcombe)

Also known as:
Charmborough Farm, Holcombe and Holcombe 1
Nearest town:
Radstock (4km NNE)
OS reference:
ST678513
OS sheet:
183
Latitude:
51° 15' 33.82 N
Longitude:
2° 27' 41.44 W
Added to TMA by

Images

Image of Giant’s Grave (Holcombe) (Long Barrow) by hamish

Little more than a vague bump.The Barrow was excavated in 1826 by John Skinner and also in 1909 by J.D.C.Wickham.There was a possible terminal chamber with one cell.

Image credit: Mike Murray
hamish
hamish Apr 23, 2005
Image of Giant’s Grave (Holcombe) (Long Barrow) by hamish

This is at the location of the Barrow,as has already been said,not a lot to see.The farmer told me “the field is never ploughed” Don’t forget to ask permission at Southmead Farm.

Image credit: Mike Murray
hamish
hamish Apr 23, 2005

Articles

Folklore

Giant’s Grave (Holcombe)
Long Barrow
Rhiannon
Rhiannon Mar 19, 2004

The barrow is in a field called ‘Giant’s Ground’ and is said to be the grave of Giant Gorm (who appears in various local tales – eg that of Druid Stoke). The field is said to be the site of a great battle (- perhaps that refers to the demise of the giant?).

The barrow was also formerly known as Charleborow, whatever the derivation of that may be – perhaps the name of another purported occupant?

(information from the Somerset Historic Environment Record)

Miscellaneous

Giant’s Grave (Holcombe)
Long Barrow
Rhiannon
Rhiannon Mar 19, 2004

There isn’t much left of this long barrow, according to the Somerset Historic Environment Record. It has been opened up twice in ‘recent’ history (1826 and 1909 – finding various human and animal bones, and a leaf-shaped flint arrowhead) and perhaps the Romans had a look, because pottery and coins from their era have been found too. The barrow is almost on the parish boundary, and is more of a bump these days (perhaps with some stones still remaining).

If you’re easily amused you will be interested to hear that the stream valley to the north of the barrow is called ‘Snail’s Bottom’.

Topics

Your excursion, Hamish 2
Rhiannon
Rhiannon
Apr 2005

Sites within 20km of Giant’s Grave (Holcombe)

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