Goffer’s Knoll

Nearest town:
Royston (4km WSW)
OS reference:
TL391424
OS sheet:
154
Latitude:
52° 3' 43.23 N
Longitude:
0° 1' 45.51 E
Added to TMA by

Images

Image of Goffer’s Knoll (Round Barrow(s)) by GLADMAN

The barrow’s in a poor state of preservation due to animal burrows and fallen tree debris. But there you are.

Image credit: Robert Gladstone
GLADMAN
GLADMAN Mar 19, 2012
Image of Goffer’s Knoll (Round Barrow(s)) by GLADMAN

Approaching via the (private) track to Summer Farm (not shown on 1:50K OS map) from the A505 to the south-east. The remains of the barrow are sited to the right within the copse, approx centre skyline.

Image credit: Robert Gladstone
GLADMAN
GLADMAN Mar 19, 2012

Articles

Goffer’s Knoll

GLADMAN
GLADMAN Mar 20, 2012

Like the none too distant Gallows Hill round barrow – incidentally the wondrous Therfield Heath barrow cemetery lies between the two monuments – this seriously mutilated round barrow surmounts a small hill crowned by an iconic copse of trees. Another commonality is the negative attitude of the landowner toward visitors, or at least the casual, unannounced sort, a high set ‘Private – No Public Access’ sign... (or words to that effect) ... albeit consequently easily overlooked by a traveller approaching (with eyes fixed upon the knoll) along the track leading from the A505 to the south-east... making this clear.

In retrospect, upon studying the map, it is probably advisable to take the Melbourn road and approach Summer House farm from the east in order to ask permission, particularly if you wish to make an extended visit to the site. To be honest there is not a great deal to report, the round barrow, as mentioned, seriously damaged by a myriad animal burrows and much fallen tree debris.

Nevertheless an authentic vibe remains beneath the hilltop woodland, the monument consequently well worth my brief diversion from the road where, incidentally, there is a handily placed layby.

Miscellaneous

Goffer’s Knoll
Round Barrow(s)
Rhiannon
Rhiannon Jun 11, 2004

Goffer’s Knoll is a natural bump in the landscape, that Bronze Age people saw fit to create a barrow on top of. Without the trees now surrounding it, it would have been a conspicuous landmark.
Not far away, south west of Heath farm (c.TL383414), was a barrow cemetery – again in a prominent position overlooking the route of the Icknield Way. There were originally five round barrows and one square Iron Age barrow (the field is called ‘Five Hill Field’) – but only a couple are barely visible now. There was also a 200m long ‘cross dyke’ thought to be a prehistoric boundary marker.

(info from ‘MAGIC’)

Sites within 20km of Goffer’s Knoll

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