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.
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.
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Posted by GLADMAN
Posted by Rhiannon
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