Chance

Details of Barrows on Pastscape

Two bowl barrows just below the crest of a north east facing hillside in the Cotswolds. The barrows abut one another and lie in a north west-south east orientation. The larger barrow, that on the north west, has a mound which measures 22 metres in diameter and 0.5 metres high. The smaller barrow is 11 metres in diameter and 0.4 metres high. Around is mound is a quarry ditch which survive as buried features 3 metres and 1.5 metres wide respectively. The ditches appear to be absent where the mounds abut. Scheduled.

(SP 16722765) Tumulus (NR). (1)
Twin round barrows, known as Pegler’s Knob (3), are identified with Twisebeorge in a Saxon charter of AD 779.
SP 16722766. 20 paces diameter, 3 feet high and planted with trees.
SP 16752766. 10 paces diameter and 6 inches high in 1958. (2-3)
The better preserved of these two barrows and that marked on the OS map is known locally as Pegler’s Knob. (4)
Two round barrows at SP 16732765 and SP 16752765; respectively 16.0m in diameter by 1.0m high (tree covered) and 7.0m by 0.2m
(under pasture).Published 1:2500 survey revised. The name ‘Peglar’s Knob’ is known locally but is infrequently used. (5)
Scheduled under ‘Burial Mounds and Megalithic Monuments’ as Peglers Knob. (6)

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( 1) Annotated Record Map 6” 1955
( 2a) General reference Cartularium Saxonicum 1885-99 229 (W de G Birch)
( 2b) General reference Codex Diplomaticus 1839-48 136 (J M Kemble)
( 2) Transactions of the Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society 79 (1960) Page(s)112
( 3) by G B Witts 1883 Archaeological handbook of the county of Gloucester, being an explanatory description of the archaeological map of Gloucestershire Page(s)102
( 4) General reference Early Charter of W Midlands 1961 75 No 18 (H P R Finberg)
( 5) Field Investigators Comments 30/04/1974
( 6) General reference DOE Ancient Monuments Inspectorate. 1977. List of Ancient Monuments in England, 35
( 7) Scheduled Monument Notification 24/09/1997

Details of Barrows on Pastscape

Monument No. 233617

Four barrows are shown on Greenwood’s map of 1824 on Thorning Down, north west of the Horse and Jockey Inn. The ground is now an aerodrome and Grinsell was unable to locate them. The airfield is now occupied by an Atomic Energy Research Establishment. No trace of the barrows remain.

[SU 478864; SU 480865; SU 482865 and SU 483865] (2) Four barrows are shown on Greenwood’s map of 1824 on Thorning Down, north west of the Horse and Jockey Inn [SU 48558595] The ground is now an aerodrome and Grinsell was unable to locate them. (1,2)
The airfield is now occupied by an Atomic Energy Research Establishment. No trace of the barrows remain. (3)

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( 1) Berkshire Archaeological Society The Berkshire archaeological journal L.V. Grinsell 43, 1939 Page(s)13
( 2) General reference Map of Berks, 1822-23, Scale 1” (C. & J. Greenwood)
( 3) Field Investigators Comments F1 JP 28-AUG-63

Mount Skippet

Details of Barrow on Pastscape

A large ploughed barrow recorded in a field northeast of Chilton by Grinsell in 1934. According to the landlord of the Horse and Jockey Inn nearby, the local name is `Mount Skippet’. The barrow is probably a bowl barrow but it merges with a small natural knoll. It is 0.8 metres high on the northeast and 2 metres high on the southwest and has a diameter of about 30 metres.

[SU 49608641] Tumulus. (1)
A large ploughed barrow thirtyfive to forty paces in diameter and eight feet high in a field north east of Chilton Lat. 51 34’ 26”: Long 1 17’ 2”, visited in 1934. According to the landlord of the Horse and Jockey Inn near-by, [SU 485860] the local name is `Mount Skippet’. (2,3)
This mound is probably a bowl barrow but it merges with a small natural knoll. It is 0.8m high on the N.E. and 2.0m high on the S.W. Published survey (O.S. 25”) correct. (4)
The earthwork remains of the probable Bronze age bowl barrow described by the previous authorities were seen centred at SU 4961 8640 and mapped from aerial photographs. The mound appears to be around 30m in diameter. (5)

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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” (Prov) 1960
( 2) Berkshire Archaeological Society The Berkshire archaeological journal L.V. Grinsell 40, 1936 Page(s)41
( 3) Aerial photograph R.A.F. 106G/UK/1721 1003-1004: Sept. 1946
( 4) Field Investigators Comments F1 NVQ 09-APR-64
( 5) Vertical aerial photograph reference number RAF 540/669/4118 08-FEB-1952

Monument No. 233626

Details of site on Pastscape

Assorted Bronze and Iron Age artefacts apparently found on Hagbourne Hill. Various artefacts were found in a number of oblong pits encountered in 1803. Further discoveries were made in 1939. Material found spans the later Bronze Age and Iron Age. The site falls within the area of an old chalk pit, and were presumably made during chalk extraction. The confused nature of the reports, particularly of the 19th century finds, has led to reports of “mixed” hoards – of Bronze and Iron Age material being found together, when it seems simply that a range of material has been recovered from the same chalk pit.

[SU 49698679] Bronze & Iron Age Remains found. (1)
A hoard of Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age bronze objects and some coins [period not specified] were found in one of a
number of oblong pits uncovered on Hagbourne Hill beside the Icknield Way in 1803. The finds with the exception of the coins
and socketed celt are now in the British Museum. King considers one gold coin found to be of the lower empire. W.A. Smallcombe sites these finds at [SU 49698684].
When examining the area Crawford found, in the south face of the old chalk pit, [at SU 49828669] the remains of (? rubbish) pits continuing pot sherds and charcoal and a section of a post hole. (5)
All the above sitings fall in the area of a large shallow chalk pit, which is now completely grassed over. (See Map Diagram).
The present location of the axe and coins could not be determined. (6)
An unpublished, early Iron Age pottery find, recorded in 1939, has affinity with decorated examples from the Chilterns. The reliability of the dating of the hoard, however is dubious. The combined evidence regarding various finds on Hagbourne Hill is very confused. There is possibility that the site was a cemetery, as a skeleton features in various references, although no mention of it is made in the original record of E B King. (7)
Three Bronze Age spearheads in the British Museum, reputed from Harbourne Hill, (B.M. 61.9-20.6,62.7-19.10 & 62.7-19.11) are described and drawn, but it is not clear whether these represent separate finds. (8)
(SU 49698679; SU 49698684). Detailed description of the horse-bits, pins and socketed bronze axe. Also includes illustration (9).
Additional rectangular pits found in 1939. The earlier hoard included 2 BA objects, which may be survivals. Principal IA remains are the 2 horse-bits and cast ring-headed pin, which roughly parallel the Arras-Culture of Yorks. Coins may be intrusive. Dating of hoard may fit within C1st BC. Function of pits uncertain unless further excavated. 2 other bronze spearheads in the British Museum are said to have been found “by the side of a skeleton”. Hagbourne site needs further corroborative information independant of the 1803 hoard before it can conclusively be associated with the early La tene. (10)
Coins from the hoard were dispersed beford details could be obtained; the gold coin attributed to the lower Empire may possibly be British (11). Details of 2 bronze spearheads 1 from SU 497870 and 1 from
SU 490870 (12). (11,12)

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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” (Prov) 1960
( 2) Society of Antiquaries of London Archaeologia : or miscellaneous tracts relating to antiquity (E.B. King) 16, 1812 Page(s)348-9
( 3) Externally held archive reference Reading Mus. 6” (W.A. Smallcombe 1949)
( 4) Annotated Record Map Rec. 6” (O.G.S. Crawford 14.2.30)
( 5) Aerial photograph A/Ps (R.A.F. 106 G 1721 1003-1004: Sept. 1946
( 6) Field Investigators Comments F1 JP 29-AUG-63
( 7) General reference Harding, DW. The Iron Age in the Upper Thames Basin. London: Oxford University Press. 91-2
( 8) by Margaret R Ehrenberg 1977 Bronze Age spearheads from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire BAR British series1 (1974) – 34 Page(s)39, 59
( 9) edited by P H Ditchfield and William Page 1906 The Victoria history of Berkshire, volume one The Victoria history of the counties of England Page(s)186-8
( 10) General reference Harding, DW. The Iron Age in the Upper Thames Basin pp91-92
( 11) Berkshire Archaeological Society The Berkshire archaeological journal 42, 1938 Page(s)86
( 12) by Margaret R Ehrenberg 1977 Bronze Age spearheads from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire BAR British series1 (1974) – 34 Page(s)39, 59

Monument No. 233632

Details of site on Pastscape

A Bronze Age spearhead and a skeleton, apparently in the British Museum, were reportedly found at Hagbourne Hill. These may be some of the items recorded as SU 48 NE 6.

A bronze spearhead and a skeleton found on Highbourn Hill, in the possession J. King. (1)
Peake records the find spot as being Hagbourne Hill [SU 4986]. (2)
The King collection is believed to be in the British Museum. (3)

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( 1) Journal of the British Archaeological Association 1, 1845 Page(s)310
( 2) General reference Peake, H. 1931. Archaeology of Berkshire, p199
( 3) Field Investigators Comments F1 JP 29-AUG-63

Details of Barrow on Pastscape

Bronze Age bowl barrow 17m in diameter and 0.5m high. Excavations found, Middle Bronze Age cremations and Early Iron Age and Romano-British pottery sherds. Scheduled. The barrow has been ploughed almost level and is visible, as a cropmark of a mound surrounded by a ditch, on aerial photographs.
[SU 42088426] TUMULUS [G.T.]. (1)
A tumulus lying north of the Ridgeway on the boundary of East and West Lockinge [now one parish – Lockinge] was excavated in 1934 revealing the cremated bones of 3 or 4 individuals in a central hole. Probably Middle Bronze Age.
Early Iron Age and Romano-British sherds were recovered from the filling of the ditch. The mound had no berm (2)
Bowl barrow, 14 paces diam., c. 2 1/2 ft. high. (2-3)
This bowl barrow has been ploughed down. It is 0.6 m. high with only a suggestion of a surrounding ditch.
The sherds referred to in 2 are not in the Newbury or Reading Museums.
Published Survey (25”) revised. q.v. Lin 57 – SU 4284. (4)
Yew Down round barrow, SU 420842, is scheduled as an Ancient Monument, Oxon No. 201. (5)
Additional reference. (6)
The Bronze Age round barrow, described by the previous authorities, has been ploughed amost level and is visible as a cropmark of a mound surrounded by a ditch and has been mapped from aerial photographs. (7)

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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” 1960
( 2) Transactions of the Newbury District Field Club 7, 1934 Page(s)7, 90-3
( 3) Berkshire Archaeological Society The Berkshire archaeological journal (Grinsell) 38, 1936 Page(s)40
( 4) Field Investigators Comments F1 NVQ 17-MAR-64
( 5) English Heritage 1987 County list of Scheduled Ancient Monuments : December 1987 Oxfordshire Page(s)11
( 6) Scheduled Monument Notification 02-DEC-1998
( 7) Vertical aerial photograph reference number FSL 6905 6156-7 (Run 15) 13-MAY-1969 (Berkshire SMR AP’s)

Details of Barrow on Pastscape

Bell barrow with adjacent bowl barrow. Churn Knob is a bell barrow 23m in diameter and 1.5m high. It is surrounded by a berm 5m wide. It is traditionally the the site of a sermon by St Birinus in the 7th century. The smaller bowl barrow lies 10m to the south west and is only visible as a soil mark. It is known from excavation in 1848 to have been 12m in diameter and 2m high with a 2m wide quarry ditch. Finds included, horse bones and material from an iron horse harness. Scheduled. Both barrows have been mapped from aerial photographs.

Details of site on Pastscape

Scutchamer Knob (called Cwichelmeshlaew, in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle) is a large mound ten feet high, constructed of layers of turves, on the Downs just south of the Ridgeway on the boundary of the parishes of East and West Hendred. It is believed to be the site of an Iron Age primary inhumation in a barrow and later secondary Saxon inhumations before use as a beacon.

The site was excavated in 1844, which uncovered a range of finds including a stone bead, an iron buckle, horses’ teeth and ‘large bones’ as well as a large oak stake believed to be the remains of a beacon mentioned in 1738. When re-excavated in 1934, the only significant finds were large quantities of Iron Age La Tene I period pottery, all disturbed by earlier excavations. The mound was surrounded by a ditch originally five feet deep, with no berm. The complete absence of La Tene II pottery is believed to indicate that the mound was erected between 300 and 200 B.C. It lies in a small reafforested copse and survives as an earthwork, crescentic in plan, with a deep hollow in the middle and no trace of a ditch. Its situation, high on the chalk downs, is ideal for a beacon.

[SU 45658503] Scutchamer Knob [T.I.] Tumulus [G.T.]. (1)
Cuckhamsley, Scutchemer or the Scotchman’s Knob called Cwichelmeshlaew, in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle (5) is a large mound ten feet high, constructed of layers of turves, on the Downs just south of the Ridgeway on the boundary of the parishes of East and West Hendred.
It was excavated in 1844; the finds, scattered all over the site, consisted of a stone bead, an iron buckle, horses’ teeth
and “large bones”, a large oak stake was possibly a beacon post, mentioned in 1738.

When re-excavated in 1934, the only significant finds were large quantities of Iron Age A pottery sherds of La Tene I period all disturbed by earlier excavations. The mound was surrounded by a ditch originally five feet deep, with no berm.
The complete absence of La Tene II pottery seems to indicate that the mound was erected between 300 and 200 B.C., but its
purpose is not clear (2) Scheduled (3). (2-5)
Scutchamer Knob lies in a small reafforested copse. The mound is crescentic in plan with a deep hollow in the middle and no
trace of a ditch. Its situation, high on the chalk downs, is ideal for a beacon. Surveyed at 1/2500. (6)
Probable Iron Age primary inhumation in a barrow, and secondary Saxon inhumation. (7)
The secondary burials were found with a bead and bronze buckle and are thought to be Saxon in date. (8)

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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” (Prov) 1960
( 2) Transactions of the Newbury District Field Club H.J.E. Peake, H.H. Coghlan, C.F.B. Marshall & J.M. Birkbeck 7, 1935 Page(s)93-102
( 3) Ancient Monuments Boards for England, Scotland and Wales annual reports 1961 Page(s)20
( 4) Berkshire Archaeological Society The Berkshire archaeological journal 42, 1938 Page(s)110
( 4a) General reference Anglo Saxon Chronicle. A.D. 1006
( 5) General reference Peake H. 1931. Archaeology of Berkshire, 164
( 6) Field Investigators Comments F1 JP 27-AUG-1963
( 7) by Audrey Meaney 1964 A gazetteer of early Anglo-Saxon burial sites Page(s)45
( 8) Gazetteer of Early Medieval Sites (unpublished thesis, 2006 by Dr A.K Cherryson)) Page(s)109

Details of Barrow on Pastscape

A possible barrow, called ‘Coin Barrow’ (or perhaps ‘Hidden Barrow’) is mentioned in a Saxon charter, dated c.955 A.D. relating to Compton Beauchamp.
The barrow lay north of the Ridgeway and east of Wayland’s Smithy [SU 28 NE 4], probably due north of Hardwell Barn. It may have lain somewhere along the line of the zig-zag footpath which is the line of the Compton Beauchamp parish boundary (1)
Grundy suggests it is a barrow in which coins had been found, and that it must have been “on the summit of the downs somewhere south of Hardwell Castle” (2) [SU 28138578; SU 28308593]? Barrow Circles (3). (1-3)

The zig-zag footpath, SU 286 859, no longer forms part of the Compton Beauchamp parish boundary. There is no trace of a
barrow on the ground or an R.A.F. air photographs anywhere in its vicinity.

The site of the western ? barrow circle lies in a new plantation and the other is under plough, but neither can be seen on the ground. (4)

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( 1) General reference Berks A.J., 29, 1925, 89. (G.B. Grundy)
( 2) General reference Berks A.J., 42, 1938, 109. (L.V. Grinsell)
( 3) General reference R.A.F., A.Ps.106G/UK/1561/3143-4
( 4) Field Investigators Comments F1 GHP 07-FEB-64

Monument No. 1372278

Details of site on Pastscape

(SU 27 86] A cluster of sarsen stones, probably eight in number, were observed “at the foot of a small combe, about a quarter mile north-east of the farmhouse called Adstone (sic)“. It was speculated that these may be the remains of a tumulus. (1)

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(1) Berkshire Archaeological Society The Berks, Bucks and Oxon archaeological journal Stevenson M.L. 1907, ‘Cross at East Hagbourne, Roman remains in West Berkshire, etc’, Berks. Bucks. Oxon Arch. J. vol.13, pgs59-60. 13 Page(s)59-60

Monument No. 975055

Details of site on Pastscape

SU 275 815. Linear scatter of large stones, also slight earthwork. (1)

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( 1) Council for British Archaeology Group 9: South Midlands archaeology newsletter Upson A 8, 1978 Page(s)103

Details of Site on Pastscape

[Centred SU 27508102] THREE BARROWS [G.T.] [SU 27668102] TUMULUS [GT] (Site of). (1)
Three Barrows, south of Old Ditch on Idstone Down, Ashbury are in a line, almost touching one another; central hollows suggest excavation, but of this there is no record (3).
A – Bowl Barrow, 17 yards in diameter and 4 1/2 feet high, no visible ditch.
B – Bowl barrow, hollow in centre, mound 18 yards in diameter and 5 feet high, no visible ditch.
C – Bowl barrow, 18 yards in diameter and 4 1/2 ft high, hollow in centre, no visible ditch.
D – This barrow was opened in 1878; interment found. Nothing is now visible (2). Date c.1600-1200 B.C.
North of the “Three Barrows”; at Ashbury, at the bottom of the hill, is a small unfinished barrow with ditch completed for
only three-quarters of the circumference (5). (2-5)
The “Three-Barrows” are as described and measured by Grinsell. There is no trace of barrow ‘D’ the published site of which is
under pasture. Published survey (25”) revised. (6)
The earthwork remains of the three probable Bronze Age round barrows described by the previous authorities were seen centred at SU 2745 8102, SU 2747 8101 and SU 2750 8101. All were mapped from aerial photographs. (8)

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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” 1960
( 2) Bedfordshire Archaeological Society Bedfordshire archaeological journal (L.V.Grinsell) 40, 1936 Page(s)31
( 3) Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Object Name Book reference ONB, Berkshire, 19 SW. 1910 Page(s)5, 13
( 4) Nicholas Thomas 1960 A guide to prehistoric England Page(s)41
( 5) edited by P H Ditchfield and William Page 1906 The Victoria history of Berkshire, volume one The Victoria history of the counties of England Page(s)277
( 6) Field Investigators Comments F1 NVQ 02-MAR-64
( 7) Scheduled Monument Notification 16-NOV-1998
( 8) Vertical aerial photograph reference number RAF 106G/UK/1416/3293 14-APR-1946

Details of Site on Pastscape

A univallate hillfort situated c500m north west of Ashdown House. The earthwork defences consist of a single rampart bank which measures between 3m and 10m wide and stands up to 1.5m high. It was originally revetted with sarsen walls. Two seasons of excavations by Oxford University have revealed Late Bronze Age origins to the site with a Roman building within the centre of the enclosure dating from the 2nd – 4th centuries AD. Attached to the north of the enclosure is an elongated annex dated to the Late Bronze Age. The site has also been surveyed and mapped from aerial photographs.

[SU 27738223] Alfred’s Castle [T.I.] CAMP [G.T.] (1)
Alfred’s Castle, Ashbury, is an earthwork of roughly hexagonal shape, consisting of bank and outer ditch enclosing 2.6 acres [see plan AO/LP/63/162] The original entrance is in the south-east corner, but it is not certain if the gaps in the north-east and north-west sides are original or not. The site has not been excavated but sherds of Southern Second A, Southern First C, Romano-British and ? Saxon pottery have been found on the surface; there are traces of a structure of some sort, possibly a building, in the interior. The position, size and shape of the work are unlike any of the Berkshire hill-forts, but are more like the type of site chosen for a farmstead or village (2). Wheeler however, includes it in his provisional map of Belgic defended sites (4). Cotton includes it in her list of Berkshire hill-forts (3) and Thomas calls it an Iron Age hill-fort (5). Allen’s air photograph [AO/LP/63/161] reveals the ditch of a much larger enclosure to the north of the camp, which may represent an Iron Age work of early date; it cannot be traced on the ground (2). Scheduled (6). Iron Age univallate hill-fort under three acres (7). (2-7)
Alfred’s Castle is a small defensive enclosure, the defence consisting of a strong rampart (with Sarsen revetting exposed in places) and a broad ditch. Of the three entrance gaps, that in the N.E. appears to be comparatively modern. There are traces of possbile building platforms within the earthwork but for the most part these are ill-defined. The large annexe visible on the Allen A.P. cannot be traced on the ground. There are numerous sherds of I.A. and R.B. pottery in molehills within Alfred’s Castle, and Newbury Museum has the following collections:-
Two Ne. sherds and a small spear or large Ne arrowhead and I.A. sherds (Acc. 1931:115). I.A and R.B. sherds (Acc. 1938:259 and 1960:16).
As Mrs. Cotton and Prof. Wheeler have suggested the site is that of a defended farmstead or village rather than a hill-fort.
Surveyed at 1/2500. (8)
Over 40 Early Iron Age and Roman sherds found on site in 1980-1. (9)
The earthwork enclosure known as Alfred’s Castle described by the previous authorities was mapped from aerial photographs. Attached to the northern side of Alfred’s Castle enclosure is an elongated annex defined by a single broad ditch measuring 150m x 320m. Within the Alfred’s Castle enclosure the foundations of a 2nd-4th Century AD Roman building were mapped from aerial photographs taken during excavations of the site in July 1998. The excavations were carried out by Oxford University as part of the Hillforts of the Ridgeway Project. This work was able to provide dating of the site from the L. Bronze Age through to the 4th Century AD. A second season of excavation at the site was carried out in July 1999 which among other findings was able to date the annex enclosure to the Late Bronze Age. To the north-west and west of Alfreds Castle the extensive cropmark remains of a system of large ditched enclosures or fields were seen and mapped from aerial photographs. These enclosures appear to be continuous with the L.Bronze Age annex enclosure to the north of Alfreds Castle. This system of enclosures have been recorded in SU28SE **. (11-13)
Report of the excavation. (14)

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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) 6” 1960
( 2) Berkshire Archaeological Society The Berkshire archaeological journal 58, 1960 Page(s)44-8
( 3) Berkshire Archaeological Society The Berkshire archaeological journal 60, 1962 Page(s)51
( 4) The Antiquaries journal : journal of the Society of Antiquaries of London 7, 1933 Page(s)34
( 5) Nicholas Thomas 1960 A guide to prehistoric England Page(s)41
( 6) General reference Ancient Monuments in England and Wales 1961 (M.O.W.) Page(s)19
( 7) General reference OS Maps of Southern Britain in the Iron Age 1962 Page(s)48
( 8) Field Investigators Comments F1 JP 25-FEB-64
( 9) Oxfordshire Archaeological Unit : newsletter 8(3), 1981 Page(s)1
(10) Scheduled Monument Notification 04/03/1997
(11) Vertical aerial photograph reference number OS 72 224/151 15-JUL-1972
(12) Oblique aerial photograph reference number NMR SU2782/31 09-MAR-1989
(13) Oblique aerial photograph reference number NMR SU2782/53 JUL-1998
(14) Council for British Archaeology Group 9: South Midlands archaeology newsletter 29, 1999 Page(s)44-53

Details of Stone on Pastscape

Monument No. 975112

SU 262 868. A sarsen stone, 0.9m long, 0.6m high and 0.3m thick, was removed between about 1965 and 1970. It used to stand a few metres SE of where the path from Kingstone Winslow to Odstone Marsh crosses the stream. The stone had a hollow on one side, and there are various folklore explanations for this. (1)

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( 1) Transactions of the Newbury District Field Club Grinsell LV (1981) Page(s)54-55

Details of Hillfort on Pastscape

Earthwork remains of an Iron Age promontory fort or hillfort; Roman pottery has been found on the site.

(Centred ST 93466934). An IA promontory fort at Nash Hill was discovered by A.J. Clarke and photographed from the air, in 1954. The enclosed area is formed by a single eastern bank and ditch, very much spread and 80 feet wide overall, across the neck of the promontory, the farm lane on the south, a lynchet on the west and the steep slopes of Tacklemore Wood on the north. There seems to be an entrance causeway c.150 feet from the south edge of Tacklemore Wood. (1-3)

Samian and RB coarse potsherds were found on the eroded slope just inside the Wood and were associated by Clark with the later occupation of the fort. The eastern defences are clearly visible on AM/RAF APs.
The fort, centred at SU 93476933, is roughly rectangular in shape and occupies the edge of an escarpment. The northern and western sides are protected by natural scarps, and the eastern by a partially denuded bank and ditch. There are no natural defences on the south and it is likely that a rampart extended along this side but has been obliterated by the later hollow way. At ST 93596939, on the east side, in an apparently original causewayed entrance. The inner scarp of the bank can be seen to continue across this, but it is very slight and would not obstruct entry. Surveyed at 1:2500. (4)
ST 935 694. Nash Hill. Listed in gazetteer as a univallate hillfort. (5)

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( 1) The Wiltshire archaeological and natural history magazine (A.J. Clark). 57 – 1958-60 Page(s)16
( 2) Oral information, correspondence (not archived) or staff comments
( 3) Aerial photograph APs. CPE/UK 1821/1042-4, 4.11.1946
( 4) Field Investigators Comments F1 ANK 15-NOV-68
( 5) BAR British series (AHA Hogg) 62 – 1979 Page(s)206

Details of Long Barrow on Pastscape

Neolithic chambered long barrow excavated in 1855, 1909, 1936 and 1963. Multiple inhumation burials, Neolithic pottery and flakes were found

[ST 8773 7472] Lanhill Barrow [TI] (Long Barrow) [GT].
Lanhill Barrow is a long barrow, 185 feet long, 90 feet wide and 6 feet high, oriented E/W. It was partially excavated by J. Thurnam in 1855 who found two chambers previously opened and ruined and excavated a new chamber on the north side.
In 1909, Capt. and Mrs Cunnington excavated a chamber on the south side and in 1936, A.D. Passmore, with A.Keiller and S. Piggott excavated a chamber on the N.W. A dummy portal existed 35 feet from the east end. Finds from the successive excavations include multiple inhumation-burials, flint flakes and Ne ‘A’ sherds. The barrow is sometimes called Hubbas Low but this name was an invention of 17th c. antiquaries and Jackson states that there was no authority for any earlier use of the name.
In 1963 five parallel cuttings were made in Lanhill Long Barrow exposing the revetment wall and the greater part of the forecourt, the N.W. and the S. chamber. Sherds of Ebbsfleet and Hembury ware were recovered.
A long barrow 2.1 metres high. It has been overlaid in the N.E. and E. by earth from nearby road widening operations making
positive identification of the outline difficult. The chamber at ST 8772 7471 is still open and measures 2.8m. long x 1.5 m wide x 1.2m high. The revetment walls leading to this chamber have been rebuilt. See G.P. Surveyed at 1:2500.
Lanhill Long Barrow (name confirmed) is situated on low-lying ground; the mound and partially reconstructed chamber are well preserved. There are no traces of side ditches and the mound is approximately 53.0m long, 28.0m wide, and up to 2.5m high at the east end.

Details of well on Pastscape

[ST 8802 7272] Holy Well [TI]. (1-2)
A spring called Holy Well in Chippenham parish or east of Biddestone is mentioned by Aubrey-“I think I have been told that the water is good for the eyes”. He also refers to the finding of a distinctive type of star-shaped fossil in the water which has also been found as recently as 1940. (3-4)
The spring at ST 88027272 is known locally to produce star shaped fossils and is therefore probably that referred to by Aubrey. The spring has a stone surround with a slate trough and is probably of 19th c. construction. See G.P. Published (1:2500) Survey correct. (5)
The feature known as “Holy Well” is generally well preserved; the spring now issues below the trough and its stone surround.
Correctly shown at 1:2500 on PFD. (6)

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( 1) General reference O.S. 1”, 1808.
( 2) General reference O.S.6”, 1955.
( 3) General reference Topo Colns. for Wilts. by Aubrey 1695-70 (J.E.Jackson,1862) 72.
( 4a) General reference Nat.Hist.of Wilts, 45 (J.Aubrey)
( 4) General reference W.A.M.,49,1940-2,116.
( 5) Field Investigators Comments F1 ANK 14-NOV-67
( 6) Field Investigators Comments F2 MJF 29-APR-76

Details of stone on Pastscape

Standing stones have been documented in Bowood Park, all have been described as being placed as landmarks.
Hoare Stone which was situated near Deer Mead has been claimed to be an in situ standing stone, and was marked on a map of 1755. Field investigations in 1968 located no traces of this feature.

(ST96807015) Hoar Stone (GT). (1)
There are several small sarsens in Boxwood Park which have been suggested to have been brought there as curiosities or land-marks, but the Earl of Kerry thought they might be in situ. One, the ‘Whore Stone’, the Old (Hoar) Stone in the park, near the Deermead, has been known for over two centuries and gave its name to an enclosure shown in a map of 1755. (2)
This stone has disappeared: there is no information of its going or of its present whereabouts. No mention (Grinsell, Arch. Gaz.Wilts 1957). (3,4)

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SOURCE TEXT
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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” 1960
( 2) The Wiltshire archaeological and natural history magazine 42, 1922 Page(s)36
( 3) Oral information, correspondence (not archived) or staff comments
( 4) Field Investigators Comments F1 ANK 02-JUL-68

Loxwell Abbey

Details of spring on Pastscape

A Cistercian Abbey was founded at Loxwell in 1151 as a daughterhouse of Quarr, but was moved to Stanley, (ST97SE2) in 1154. There are no visible remains, but Loxwell Farm is reputed to stand on the site of the abbey.

(ST 95296985) Loxwell Farm on site of (TI) Loxwell Abbey (GT) (Cistercian, founded AD 1151) (TI) (1)
A Cistercian Abbey was founded at Lockswell, 1151 but was moved to Stanley in 1154 (See ST 97 SE 2). Though there is no contemporary evidence for buildings of any consequence at Loxwell, the site of the earlier Abbey was claimed as found by Bowles.

Early records indicate a copious water-supply at the first site and there is a substantial spring flowing from ‘beneath’ the foundations of the farmhouse which Bowles claims stood on the site of the early building. This spring was later conveyed by a stone conduit to the new site at Stanley, in 1241. No traces are visible but its course is discovered from time to time. (2-4)
The present buildings are of 18th – 19th c. date with no visible evidence of any antiquity. (5)

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SOURCE TEXT
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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6”, 1961
( 2) General reference History of Bremhill, 1828, 90, (W.L.Bowles)
( 3) General reference History of Chipenham, 1894, 48-9, (J.J. Daniell)
( 4) by David Knowles and R Neville Hadcock 1953 Medieval religious houses : England and Wales Page(s)111
( 5) Field Investigators Comments F1 ANK 02-JUL-68
(6) by David Knowles and R Neville Hadcock 1971 Medieval religious houses in England and Wales Page(s)122

LOCKSWELL SPRING.

The Empress Maud granted to her Chamberlain, Drogo, certain land in Pewsham Forest. Drogo transferred the benefaction to a Cistercian brotherhood. On a hill in the Forest, a part of Drogo’s gift, was a spring of the purest water, called “Lockswell,” and the abbey which the monks built, bore the name of the ” Abbey of Drogo’s Fount,” or ” Drownfont.” The water from this spring has flowed from time unknown, in a never failing, never varying volume of 150 gallons a minute.

” It is a magnificent spring, rising on the very top of the hill, which is on all sides surrounded with wild and romantic scenery. It appears in the spot in which it bursts, nearly three feet broad, singular and beautiful, rushing into day, and then winding its precipitous and solitary way till it ia lost among the wildest glades of the ancient forest of Chippenham ; once famous and hallowed, it has flowed for centuries through the wild bourne.”

W.L.Bowles

History of Chipenham, 1894, 48-9, (J.J. Daniell)

Monument No. 212096

Details of mound on Pastscape

Mound on Laggus Farm, in Bowood Park. Field investigations in 1968 found the mound with a maximum height of 4 feet, and a diameter of eighty feet. It was identified as a possible round barrow by Grinsell but is more likely to be an ornamental mound.

(ST 98066940) Mound (TI) (1)
A mound on Laggus Farm, though insignificant today, is shown on 18th c. maps, and the Earl of Kerry (2) in 1922 thought there could be little doubt that it was of prehistoric origin. Grinsell (3) lists it as ‘Mound (barrow?)’. (2,3)

The mound, which is 1-4 metres high, and some eighty feet in diameter, may be a barrow though the situation seems unlikely.
No sign of a ditch and the profile quite sharp: Possibly ornamental. Published (1:2500) survey revised. (4)
Graphical material ommitted.

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SOURCE TEXT
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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6”, 1961.
( 2) The Wiltshire archaeological and natural history magazine 42, 1922 Page(s)37
( 3) edited by R B Pugh and Elizabeth Crittall 1957 A history of Wiltshire: volume 1, part 1 The Victoria history of the counties of England
( 4) Field Investigators Comments F1 ANK 07-MAY-68

Details of mound on Pastscape

Monument No. 212099

Possible mound in Bowood Park. It may be a barrow but was not included identified as such by Grinsell, or ornamental mound. Field investigations in 1968 located several slight irregularities in the area but none were definitely identified as the mound.

(ST 97126902) Mound (TI) (1)
This mound may be of one of those ‘in and about Bowood’ which the Earl of Kerry (2) thought might be ornamental mounds or
barrows. It is not listed by Grinsell in U.C.H.,Wilts.,1,1957. (2)
There are several slight irregularities in the area indicated but none can definitely be identified as the mound. (3)

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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6”, 1961.
( 2) The Wiltshire archaeological and natural history magazine 42, 1922 Page(s)37
( 3) Field Investigators Comments F1 ANK 07-MAY-68

Bowood is the ancestral estate of the 9th Marquess of Lansdowne, Earl Shelburne.
The house and selective areas of parkland are open to the public.
For details, cost and times, see here bowood-house.co.uk/

Lord Lansdowne has exercised his rights and a lot of the “historic features” around Bowood have been deleted from the modern O.S. maps. Some references by Grinsell, in The Victoria history of Wiltshire: volume 1, part 1, have been made, but any site visits by O.S. seem to have been made in 1960’s.

Details of Long Barrow on Pastscape

Neolithic long barrow, much reduced and distorted by ploughing. Aerial photography reveals that the barrow was ovoid in plan.

At SU 26623836 in a ploughed field, is a mound of chalk, measuring 33.0m. east to west and 26.0 north to south and having a maximum height of 0.7m. A ditch is visible as a slight depression, containing loam, on the N and S sides. At the W end an LBA ranch-boundary – SU 23 NE – appears to have skirted the mound.
Although this could be a large bowl barrow elongated by ploughing it is more probably a short long-barrow of which there is another example within a mile to the west SU 23 NE of similar proportions.
The mound is placed on a slight southern slope and is orientated 96 Mag. (1)
Surveyed to 1:2500. (2)
No change. (3)
SU 26623834. Suddern long barrow has been much reduced and distorted by cultivation and is still under plough. It is oriented ESE-WNW and is about 35.0m. long and 0.6m. high. The side-ditches show very clearly as parch-marks on an air
photograph (a) taken when the site was under grass during the 1976 drought. (4)
(SU 26623834) Long Barrow (NR). (5)
Further reduced by ploughing. The ditches are no longer visible. 1:2500 Survey amended. (6)
Scheduled No 12101. (7)

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( 1) Field Investigators Comments F1 WW 24-JAN-56
( 2) Field Investigators Comments F2 ASP 20-APR-65
( 3) Field Investigators Comments F3 CFW 06-MAR-68
( 4a) Aerial photograph AP (NMR SU 2638/6)
( 4) General reference RCHM Long Barrows in Hants & IOW 1979 40-41 plan photos
( 5) General reference OS 1:10000 1976
( 6) Field Investigators Comments F4 JGB 24-SEP-82
( 7) General reference English Heritage Schedule of Ancient Monuments amendment 30-Oct 1990

Details of site on Pastscape

Martin’s Farm Neolithic long barrow, two Bronze Age bowl barrows

(’A’: SU 25053845) Tumulus. (1)
(’A’) Typical long barrow with well-marked flank-ditches.
(’B’: SU 25033850) Bowl barrow, found by the author. (2)
(’C’: SU 25043846) Tumulus at the edge of the short long barrow. (3-5)

‘A’ – a short long barrow, orientated 18 Mag, 36.0m long, 22.0m wide, with side ditches, 5.0-9.0m wide, c. 1.0m. deep. The barrow is on a SE slope: the maximum height at the S. end is 1.9m, at the N end, 1.4m, being further up the slope.
The ditches are separated at the S end by an apparent causeway, c. 3.0m wide, and do not appear to have extended round the N
end. The mound is badly mutilated by rabbits.
‘B’ – SU 25013854 – a bowl barrow, 13.0m in average diameter, 0.7m high with a ditch visible all round as a vague unsurveyable depression. Badly mutilated by rabbits.
‘C’ – a bowl barrow, 7.5m in diameter, 0.2m high, with no visible ditch, the mound touching the ditch of ‘A’. (6)
Barrows ‘B’ and ‘C’ surveyed at 1:2500 (’B’ at SU 2498 3851) Long Barrow ‘A’ resurveyed at 1:2500. (7)
No change. (8)
Brief description of the long barrow and two round barrows. No additional information. (9)
Long barrow and round barrow ‘B’ – scheduled. (10)
Now within a military practice area where access is difficult. Probably no change. (11)

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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” 1926
( 2) General reference P Hants F C 14 1938-40 10 198 350 (L V Grinsell)
( 3) General reference Pte 6” (Dr J F S Stone, undtd)
( 4) General reference Rec 6” (O G S Crawford 30 6 24)
( 5) General reference Sp 6” Salisbury Plain (O G S Crawford, undtd)
( 6) Field Investigators Comments F1 WW 21-JAN-56
( 7) Field Investigators Comments F2 ASP 05-MAY-65
( 8) Field Investigators Comments F3 CFW 03-MAR-69
( 9) Royal Commission on Historical Monuments, England 1979 Long barrows in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Page(s)39
(10) General reference DOE (IAM) List Anc Mons 2 1978 98
(11) Field Investigators Comments F4 JGB 24-SEP-82

Details of site on Pastscape

Neolithic flint mine shafts and spoil heaps extant as earthworks on and near the summit of Martin’s Clump. The site was discovered in the early 1930s by JFS Stone, who was at the time excavating at the nearby flint mine site at Easton Down (SU 23 NW 26). A surface “working floor” was examined by Stone and Graham Clark in 1932. A shaft was excavated in a poorly-documented excavation undertaken in 1955 by a Major Watson, who was based at nearby Porton Down. In 1984, four previously unknown mineshafts and a considerable amount of worked flint were uncovered during excavations in advance of electricity mains cable laying in 1984. In addition, debris from a gun-flint manufacturing industry probably dating to circa 1650 to 1770 was identified. The site was surveyed by RCHME in 1996 as part of the Industry and Enclosure in the Neolithic Project. See the archive report for full details and bibliography. The Neolithic flint mine site comprises at least 337 shafts, and potentially as many as 1000, given that the mining area covers some 4.5 hectares. Many shafts have been ploughed flat during recent times. Some examples survive as shallow depressions up to 5 metres in diameter and 0.2 metres deep. Many of these are surrounded by shallow sinuous spoil heaps.

A cluster of flint mines, partly on War Office land, lies on the summit of Martin’s Clump (SU 252388). The shafts which are visible lie to the NE and S of the clump of trees. Rabbit activity shows that the mined area covers several acres. The ground is strewn with large flint flakes and three workshop floors, quite undisturbed, have been recognised. The only sherds picked up off the surface have been of ‘Beaker’ date.
The author and J G D Clark opened one of the floors which measured 12 by 14 feet and consisted of a mass of flakes and debris c. 6 inches thick directly under the turf. A few pieces of burnt flint were scattered about. The industry is a core
industry comparable with others of Ne/EBA date. Four tools illustrated are a Pa form – a highly developed survival, two
axes and a ‘rough-out’ of common occurrence. (1)
Draws attention to the mines of Easton Down, 2 miles S of Martins Clump, where there was a Beaker settlement in direct
association. (2)
These mines are of transitional Ne/EBA date, the same as those excavated at Easton Down. In 1955 a Major Watson, who has now
left the district, excavated a shaft at SU 25043876 finding similar implements but no sherds. The shaft was c. 10 feet in
diameter and as at Easton Down, had not been galleried and lacked an obvious seam of flint.
On the eastern slopes of this ridge can be seen a number of roughly circular areas of rabbit burrows and scrub growth of
varying size but almost certainly the tops of filled-in shafts. About 55 of these are visible. Little evidence of flint working was seen. (3)
This area falls in a top-security range and has become completely overgrown with grass etc. No pits can be recognised with any certainty. (4)
A V-shaped ditch and bank were uncovered during excavations in advance of electricity mains cable laying in 1984. A quantity of worked flint, pottery and bone was also recovered and debris from a gun-flint manufacturing industry (c.1650-1770 AD) dentified.
Four previously unknown mine shafts and a considerable amount of worked flint were uncovered during excavation in the cable trench itself. (5)
Martin’s Clump was visited and surveyed by RCHME in March/April 1996 as part of the project to record industry and enclosure in the Neolithic. The site comprises at least 337 shafts, and potentially as many as 1000, given that the mining area covers c4.5 hectares. Most shafts have been ploughed flat dyring recent times, but some examples survive as shallow depressions that rarely exceed 5m in diameter, and 0.2m deep. Many of these are surrounded by shallow sinuous spoil heaps. For further details see the archive report. (6-8)
Scheduled, National Number 26787. (9)
Documented. (10)

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( 1) Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society Stone, JFS. A Flint Mine at Martin’s Clump, Over Wallop. 12 (2), 1933 Page(s)177-80
( 2) Antiquity Publications Limited Antiquity Clark, JGD and S Piggott. The Age of the British Flint Mines. 7, 1933 Page(s)166-183
( 3a) Oral information, correspondence (not archived) or staff comments
( 3) Field Investigators Comments F1 WW 20-JAN-56
( 4) Field Investigators Comments F2 CFW 03-MAR-69
( 5) Hampshire County Council Archaeology in Hampshire, annual report Fowler, MJF. Over Wallop – Martin’s Clump. 1987 Page(s)4
(6) Oral information, correspondence (not archived) or staff comments
(7) Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society Fowler, MJF. A Gun-Flint Industry at Martin’s Clump, Over Wallop, Hampshire. 48, 1992 Page(s)135-142
(8) Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society Ride, DJ and DJ James. An account of an excavation of a prehistoric flint mine at Martin’s Clump, Over Wallop, Hampshire, 1954-5 45, 1989 Page(s)213-5
(9) Scheduled Monument Notification Schedule amendment 13-Mar-2001
(10) English Heritage Monuments Protection Programme Industrial Monuments Assessment, Step 3 Reports The Quarrying Industry, 2000, Hampshire 1

Details of site on Pastscape

Neolithic flint mining site with evidence for later Neolithic and early Bronze Age activity. The site was discovered by JFS Stone in 1929, and he undertook extensive excavations in the vicinity from 1930 to 1934, examining several other features in addition to the mines. The site was surveyed in 1979 by RCHME in advance of proposals to allow a battle run through the site. The site was reinvestigated and its excavation history thoroughly assessed by RCHME in 1995-6 as part of the Industry and Enclosure in the Neolithic Project. See the archive report for full details.

The Neolithic flint mining site at Easton Down was discovered in 1929 by JFS Stone and investigated by him in a series of excavations between 1930 and 1934. Excavations were also carried out by him on a number of adjacent sites (see SU 23 NW 4, 23, 28, 65, 70) at the same time.
Surface indications of c. 90 mine shafts were identified over a large area immediately to the N and W of the linear earthworks (see SU 23 NW 4) in an area centred on c SU 237358. The survival of surface evidence seems to have been primarily due to the fact that this area had never been ploughed. The area south of the linear earthwork and west of the track leading to Easton Down Farm had been ploughed but Stone felt that surface finds etc indicated a continuation of the mining into this area.
Stone selected a number of probable shafts and working floors for excavation. Most of the shafts or pits examined proved to be roughly circular and up to 12ft in depth. Those that were apparently involved in successful flint extraction exploited the 4th flint seam (called floorstone by Stone), passing through an upper seam (topstone) and two narrow bands of tabular flint. However, several of the pits did not reach any flint at all.
No galleries were encountered at the bases of any of the excavated pit, though one, Pit B49, featured a series of “undercuttings” at the level of the exploited seam. A further pit had been dug through the base of this pit, passing through a tabular flint seam before coming to an end.
Stone’s description of shaft infills is generally lacking in detail, but generally conforms to a pattern of larger chalk blocks towards the bottom with progressively smaller, finer material towards the top. In a few cases there a clear instances of material having entered from a particular direction, these normally being associated with, or extensions of, surface working “floors”.
Artefacts consisted generally of flint flakes and a small number of implements, plus some animal bones, including antler and ox scapulae. In the late 1960s, a C14 determination was obtained by the BM from antler excavated by Stone from one of the shafts. The uncalibrated result, 4480 +/-150 BC, indicates that mining was probably underway by the early 3rd millennium BC, possibly earlier, but is unsatisfactory on its own.
Stone also identified and ecxavated a series of “working floors”. Their relationship with the mining is unclear. Some were clearly stratified above infilled shafts, while others continued down into the upper and secondary fills of shafts. They consisted in the main of flakes and a few implements, and according to Stone mainly represent debris from the manufacture of axes. Stone does not say so explicitly, but it seems that little if any pottery was recovered from the excavated floors and shafts. (1-4)
The flint mining complex at Easton Down was surveyed by RCHME in December 1995 and January 1996 as part of the project to record industry and enclosure in the Neolithic. Seventy shallow depressions representing filled in flint mine shafts lie around the head of a dry re-entrant. Most of these are circular, averaging around 5m in diameter and few exceed 0.3m in depth. Amorphous spoil heaps can also be detected around the shafts. Other features in the area, including a round barrow (SU 23 NW 23) and a linear cairn were also noted. See archive report for full details. (5)

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(1) The Wiltshire archaeological and natural history magazine Stone, JFS. Easton Down, Winterslow, S Wilts, Flint Mine Excavation 1930. 45, 1931 Page(s)350-65
(2) The Wiltshire archaeological and natural history magazine Stone, JFS. Excavations at Easton Down, Winterslow, 1931-2 46, 1933 Page(s)225-242
(3) The Wiltshire archaeological and natural history magazine Stone, JFS. Excavations at Easton Down, Winterslow, 1933-4 47, 1935 Page(s)68-80
(4) Robin Holgate 1991 Prehistoric flint mines Shire archaeology [series] 67
(5) Field Investigators Comments RCHME: Industry and Enclosure in the Neolithic: Easton Down, Wiltshire

Details of site on Pastscape

The remains of a Bronze Age bowl barrow.

(SU 23483329) Cobhill Barrow (NR). (1)
A mutilated bowl barrow, Winterslow 25, 18 paces x 15 paces x 4 ft high; traces of a slight ditch. Considered by P F Ewence probably to have been used as a siting point for a change in the angle of the Roman road (RR 45a). (2)
A badly mutilated 0.7m high mound is all that remains of this barrow. Ewence’s contention would seem to be suspect as neither the eastern nor western alignment of the Roman Road intersects the barrow. (3)

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SOURCE TEXT
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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” 1962
( 2) General reference VCH Wilts 1 pt 1 1957 204
( 3) Field Investigators Comments F1 ANK 15-OCT-70

Details of site on Pastscape

Neolithic short long barrow and a Bronze Age bowl barrow on Battery Hill, listed by Grinsell as Idmiston 26 and Idmiston 31. Field investigations in 1970 found the short long barrow (Idmiston 26) surviving as an earthwork with a maximum height of 1.5 metres and shallow but well defined ditches. The bowl barrow was 1 metre high.

(A: SU 20493481 and B: SU 20573485) Tumuli (NR). (1)
Two barrows on Battery Hill: (A) Idmiston 26; a `short’ long-barrow with well marked side ditches, 80ft x 60ft x 2 1/2ft orientated NE/SW. Found by JFS Stone.
(B) Idmiston 31; a ditched bowl barrow 20 paces x 3ft. (2)
Idmiston 26. A short long barrow with a maximum height of 1.5m. The ditches are shallow but well defined.
Idmiston 31. A bowl barrow 1.0m high. A ditch around part of the south and east sides appears to have been caused by a modern trackway. Published 1:2500 survey revised. (3)
Barrow ‘A’ Scheduled by English Heritage as a Long Barrow. (4)
Surveyed by the RCHME. (5)

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SOURCE TEXT
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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” 1961
( 2) edited by R B Pugh and Elizabeth Crittall 1957 A history of Wiltshire: volume 1, part 1 The Victoria history of the counties of England Page(s)141, 179
( 3) Field Investigators Comments F1 ANK 14-OCT-70
( 4) General reference English Heritage Record Form 15-OCT-1995
( 5) General reference RCHME: South Wilts Project

Details of site on Pastscape

A Bronze Age barrow cemetery comprising at least thirteen barrows, including the Horse Barrow (SU 13 NE 21). Four barrows to the north of the Horse Barrow have been excavated in advance of house building. A further two barrows, a pond barrow and a round barrow, have also been excavated at the south end of the known extents of the cemetery, in the vicinity of Salt Lane (SU 13 NE 56). The remaining seven round barrows, are visible as cropmarks on aerial photographs. The largest barrow is not completely visible and is defined by a ring ditch, with a diameter of 12.5m, surrounded by another ring ditch with a diameter of 58m. It is possibly a disc barrow or the two ring ditches may be the remains of two different phases of construction. A central pit may be the site of a burial pit. To the south, east and west of this barrow are five further ring ditches. These have diameters of 12m, 42m, 24m, 25m and 30m. The seventh barrow is visible as a ring ditch surrounding a mound and has a diameter of 35.5m. It is possible that this barrow has not been completely ploughed level. The barrows are situated on a west facing ridge overlooking the river Bourne, between 75m and 65m above OD.

(Centred SU 18623543) Group of seven barrows. The barrow marked 3 (A on Rec 6’) contained the Porton urn. (1)
Site of barrow circle at SU 18503541 (B). (2)
The Bronze Age barrow cemetery described above comprises at least thirteen barrows, including the Horse Barrow (SU 13 NE 21).
Four barrows to the north of the Horse Barrow have been excvated in advance of house building. A further two barrows, a pond barrow and a round barrow, have also been excavated at the south end of the known extents of the cemetery, in the vicinity of Salt Lane, at SU 1825 3521 (see SU 13 NE 56 for details).

The remaining seven round barrows, are visible as cropmarks and have been mapped from aerial photographs. The largest barrow is not completely visible and is defined by a ring ditch, with a diameter of 12.5m, surrounded by another ring ditch with a diameter of 58m. It is centred at SU 1852 3542. It is possibly a disc barrow or the two ring ditches may be the remains of two different phases of construction. A central pit may be the site of a burial pit. To the south, east and west of this barrow are five further ring ditches. These have diameters of 12m, 42m, 24m, 25m and 30m and are centred at SU 1848 3547, SU 1842 3542, SU 1828 3534, SU 1847 3523, and SU 1857 3544. The seventh barrow is visible as a ring ditch surrounding a mound and has a diameter of 35.5m. It is centred at SU 1837 3528. It is possible that this barrow has not been completely ploughed level as the mound is the slight chalk rise referred to by authority 1.

The barrows are situated on a west facing ridge overlooking the river Bourne, between 75m and 65m above OD. (3-5)

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( 1a) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 25” (C A Rawlence)
( 1b) The Wiltshire archaeological and natural history magazine 33, 1903-4 Page(s)410-14
( 1) Annotated Record Map Corr 6” (H de S Shortt 1951)
( 2) Annotated Record Map Salisbury Plain 6” OGS Crawford AO Undated)
( 3) The Wiltshire archaeological and natural history magazine 89, 1996 Page(s)152
( 4) Oblique aerial photograph reference number NMR SU 1835/3 (968/60-62) 18-JUL-1975
( 5) Oblique aerial photograph reference number NMR SU 1835/2 (929/406-408) 12-MAY-1976

Details of site on Pastscape

A chalk hill figure on White Horse Hill known as the ‘White Horse’. It is situated 160 metres north-east of Uffington Castle hillfort. The figure appears as the side view of a stylised horse with its head to the right, measuring 110 metres in length from tail to ear, and 40 metres high. The horse is visible from all over the valley floor on a clear day, and is maintained by the National Trust. The White Horse is known to have existed since at least the 12th century on place name evidence. The first documented maintenance of the horse dates to 1681, and subsequent restorations occurred at various intervals until the last recorded scouring funded by the landlord in 1892. Scouring took place every seven years from at least 1677, and involved stripping the discoloured and damaged surface, weeding, and trimming/replacing of the turf edges; it was then packed with a new layer of chalk. When this custom ended cleaning occurred only when the appearance became so poor it caused public comment. To what extent the repeated scourings affected the original design is unclear, although 19th century illustrations indicate some minor changes to the legs and head. The horse was camouflaged in 1940 to prevent German navigation by landmarks during World War II, and was last scoured between 1951 and 1953, at which time a small trench was excavated at the end of the nose. This revealed a series of layers of chalk, and indicated the nose had originally been longer. Geophysical survey and excavation in the 1990s showed some changes to the form and position of the horse. It was generally believed to be Iron Age in date on the basis of stylistic comparisons with images on Iron Age coinage, making it contemporary with the hillfort to the south. However, in 1995 Optical Stimulated Luminescence dating was used to date the figure to the Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age, and was probably constructed between 1380 and 550 BC.

Details of Hillfort on Pastscape

The univallate Iron Age hillfort known as Uffington Castle. It is D-shaped, enclosing 3 hectares, with a rampart and ditch, counterscarp bank, and a single western entrance. Limited excavation in 1853-8 and in 1922, indicated that the inner bank appeared to be sarsen faced, and two rows of postholes suggest either a timber palisade or posts were incorporated in the facing. Excavations in 1989-90 identified two phases of rampart construction, the earliest, early Iron Age in date, comprising box rampart with a backing ditch. A blocked entrance was identified in the eastern rampart, and dated to the 8th to 7th centuries BC. It would have had a gatehouse, and the large post pits belonging to this structure were identified. This phase was succeeded, on almost the same alignment and after a period of abandonment, by a dump rampart with a large V-shaped ditch. A parapet wall was also present. Breaches in the ramparts on the northeast and southeast sides appear to be Roman in date.
Geophysical surveys of the interior indicated the site was probably not densely occupied or long-lived. Possible posthole structures were located in the southwest corner of the hillfort but remain unexcavated. Other magnetic responses are thought to originate from the remains of post-medieval fairs. Excavations of further interior features (pits, gullies, and postholes) in 1994-5, identified late Bronze Age activity (8th century BC), but in the main the features were of early Iron Age date (7th century BC), with some middle Iron Age activity (4th century BC). Roman features included an oven or corn drier. During the Anglo-Saxon period the hillfort acted as a boundary marker for the Uffington and Woolstone estates. Some more ephemeral features in the interior may have been lost due to medieval and later ploughing, evidenced by ridge and furrow earthworks. It was cultivated as recently as 1956 until the Ministry of Works re-established grassland. The site is in the care of English Heritage.

[Centred SU 29968633] Uffington Castle [T.I.] HILL FORT [G.T.]. (1)
Uffington Castle, on White Horse Hill, is a univallate, Iron Age A hill-fort of circa 8 acres, with a counterscarp bank. There is a single entrance facing northwest [on O.S. 6” it faces due west] with the inner-rampart turning outwards to flank the causeway, and apparently then turning back round the ditch-ends to join the counterscarp bank.
Limited excavation by E.Martin-Atkins about 1850 showed that the inner bank appeared to be sarsen faced, and two rows of post-holes discovered suggest either a timber palisade or posts incorporated in the sarsen facing. (2-5)
Uffington Castle is as described with the only original entrance facing west. Surveyed at 1/2500. (6)
SU 300863: An area of rampart which had been breached was investigated in 1989-90. Documentary evidence shows that the breach, together with one on the SE side was present in the ninth century AD. Roman pottery was recovered from layers above the breach. The rampart was a box rampart with a backing bank. This was succeeded by a dump rampart with a large V-shaped ditch. A parapet wall was also present. An early Iron Age date for the initial construction of the hillfort has been indicated. A geophysical survey of the interior also took place, the results indicated the site was not densely occupied, and probably not long-lived. (7-8)
SU 299 863. Uffington Castle. Listed in gazetteer as a univallate hillfort covering 3.4ha. (9)
Uffington Castle. Description with plan. Woolston Castle mentioned as former alternative name. (10)
Sherd of early Iron Age `A’ ware from Uffington Castle presented by Patrick Grary to Ashmolean Museum. (11)
Inward curve of defences at Eastern end, together with heightening of counterscarp bank in this area, suggestive of the presence of a former eastern entrance, later blocked. (12)
Counterscarp bank on West side of main entrance much better developed than that to East of it. No mention of possible eastern entrance. (13)
Excavation and documentary research have shown that breaches in the ramparts on NE and SE sides are at least Roman in date. (14)
Recently surveyed topographically in detail, with geophysical investigation by Ancient Monuments Laboratory, but final results still awaited. (15)
Record card. (16)
The earthwork remains of the Iron Age hill-fort described by the previous authorities was mapped from aerial photographs as part of the Lambourn Downs NMP Project. Within the ramparts of the castle are the faint earthwork remains of cultivation marks of unknown date. (17)
British Archaeology news article. Excavations near the Uffington White Horse, led by Oxford University archaeologists Gary Lock and Chris Gosden, have shown that different hillforts were put to different uses, despite their similar appearance. Uffington Castle was built on a site with ancient sacred associations. Iron Age use of the hillfort was intermittent, but there was a concentrated re-use of the site in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries AD. Coins, pottery, animal bones, and a small oven were found inside the fort; an enclosure with burials was built outside the entrance, and the long barrow was re-used for burial. The impression, according to Dr Lock, is of ‘a temple or shrine’, where eating, drinking and ceremonial activities took place. (18)
It is D-shaped, enclosing 3 hectares, with a rampart and ditch, counterscarp bank, and a single western entrance. A blocked entrance was identified in the eastern rampart, and dated to the 8th to 7th centuries BC. It would have had a gatehouse, and the large post pits belonging to this structure were identified. This phase was succeeded, on almost the same alignment and after a period of abandonment, by a dump rampart with a large V-shaped ditch.
Possible posthole structures were located in the southwest corner of the hillfort but remain unexcavated. Other magnetic responses are thought to originate from the remains of post-medieval fairs. Excavations of further interior features (pits, gullies, and postholes) in 1994-5, identified late Bronze Age activity (8th century BC), but in the main the features were of early Iron Age date (7th century BC), with some middle Iron Age activity (4th century BC). Roman features included an oven or corn drier. During the Anglo-Saxon period the hillfort acted as a boundary marker for the Uffington and Woolstone estates. Some more ephemeral features in the interior may have been lost due to medieval and later ploughing, evidenced by ridge and furrow earthworks. It was cultivated as recently as 1956 until the Ministry of Works re-established grassland. (19)
A brief history and description. It consists of a large enclosure measuring about 220 metres by 160 metres, surrounded by a chalk-stone bank or inner rampart, about 12 metres in width and 2.5 metres in height. Around this is a grass covered ditch about 3 metres deep, and a further smaller bank forming an outer rampart. (20)

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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” 1960
( 2) Berkshire Archaeological Society The Berkshire archaeological journal (Mrs. M. Cotton) 60, 1962 Page(s)48
( 3) Antiquity Publications Limited Antiquity (Hawkes) 5, 1931 Page(s)71-2
( 4) Nicholas Thomas 1960 A guide to prehistoric England (N. Thomas) Page(s)43
( 5) Aerial photograph St.Joseph A.Ps., AO/19, N/27, AO/18
( 6) Field Investigators Comments F1 JP 10-FEB-64
( 7) Council for British Archaeology Group 9: South Midlands archaeology newsletter (S Palmer) 20, 1990 Page(s)78-80
( 8) Council for British Archaeology Group 9: South Midlands archaeology newsletter (S Palmer) 21, 1991 Page(s)96-97
( 9) by A H A Hogg 1979 British hillforts : an index BAR British series1 (1974) – 62 Page(s)209
(10) edited by P H Ditchfield and William Page 1906 The Victoria history of Berkshire, volume one The Victoria history of the counties of England Page(s)262
(11) Externally held archive reference Ashmolean Museum Report, 1960 Page(s)20
(12) Oxfordshire Architectural and Historical Society Oxoniensia (O’Connor, Starstin) 40, 1975 Page(s)325
(13) by J L Forde-Johnston 1976 Hillforts of the Iron Age in England and Wales : a survey of the surface evidence Page(s)234
(14) Oxfordshire Archaeological Unit : newsletter 1990 Page(s)20
(15) Oxfordshire Archaeological Unit : newsletter 17, 1989 Page(s)1-3
(16) SU 28 NE 6 (Uffington Castle) (1964)
(17) Vertical aerial photograph reference number RAF 540/958/4295 01-DEC-1952
(18) World Wide Web page Council for British Archaeology. Issue no 31, February 1998. ‘News’ https://www.britarch.ac.uk/ba/ba31/Ba31news.html [Accessed 19-JAN-2011]
(19) D Miles, S Palmer, G Lock, C Gosden, and AM Cromarty 2003 Uffington White Horse and its landscape ‘Chapter 6: The Hillfort’, by G Lock, D Miles, S Palmer, and A M Cromarty, Thames Valley Landscapes Monograph No. 18 Page(s)79-126
(20) English Heritage 2005 Heritage Unlocked: London and the South East Page(s)110

Details of site on Pastscape

A large circular flat-topped mound known as Dragon Hill. The name derives from the mound’s associations with the legends of St George and the Dragon. It measures about 10 metres high with much chalk digging around the base, and has a flat circular summit. It is situated below the top of a chalk scarp and is thought to be a natural feature formed by glacial erosion, although this has not been conclusively proved, and indeed it may have been a natural feature that was enhanced to provide a more mound-like shape. It is joined to White Horse Hill by a narrow ridge known as the Shepherd’s Steps which leads past the White Horse to Uffington Castle hillfort. Excavations into the top of the mound were undertaken by the owner, Lord Craven, in 1852. He uncovered only topsoil covering the natural underlying bedrock. Occasional Roman finds have been found on the hill, including bones brought to light through quarrying for chalk. The date of the quarrying activity is not known. Three inhumation burials were also found in the hollow between the White Horse and Dragon Hill. It may have been used as some sort of viewing platform for the horse and hillfort, or even for ceremonial activities which have left no immediately obvious trace. The mound is in the care of English Heritage.

[Name SU 3008 8695] Dragon Hill [T.I.] Roman Coins found [T.I.] (1)
Dragon Hill, on the Uffington/Woolstone parish boundary is “A very large circular mound which may or may not be artificial. It has been known as Uffington Castle [Huntingford (3) says this is not so, the name having always been applied to the nearby Iron Age hill-fort – SU 28 NE 6] a name that supports one theory – that it is a Norman castle-mound. Roman coins have been found on the site”. (2)
E. Martin Atkins who excavated the mound circa 1852 concluded that it was natural. (3-5)
Dragon Hill is a large circular flat-topped mound about 10 metres high with much chalk digging around the base. Its position below the top of a chalk scarp is unlikely to be that of a castle mound and it is probably only a chalk outlier. No artificial works (ditch or ramparts) are apparent at the foot of the mound and the top appears entirely natural. No information could be obtained locally about the Roman coins referred to by authority (2). (6)
SU 301871 Four Iron Age sherds have been found on Dragon Hill (Acc 308/65: 184/67), two of them donated by P H Crampton: he also donated a Roman colour-coated sherd and a rim sherd (Acc 94/65: 313/65). Another colour-coated sherd was picked up on the SE corner ofthe hill at -SU 301868. (Acc 134/67). A coin of Constantine II (AE), was also found on Dragon Hill by Master R Dunkley (Acc 262/65). (7)
It is situated below the top of a chalk scarp and is thought to be a natural feature formed by glacial erosion, although this has not been conclusively proved, and indeed it may have been a natural feature that was enhanced to provide a more mound-like shape. It is joined to White Horse Hill by a narrow ridge known as the Shepherd’s Steps which leads past the White Horse to Uffington Castle hillfort. Excavations into the top of the mound were undertaken by the owner, Lord Craven, in 1852. He uncovered only topsoil covering the natural underlying bedrock. Occasional Roman finds have been found on the hill, including bones brought to light through quarrying for chalk. The date of the quarrying activity is not known. Three inhumation burials were also found in the hollow between the White Horse and Dragon Hill. It may have been used as some sort of viewing platform for the horse and hillfort, or even for ceremonial activities which have left no immediately obvious trace. (8)
A brief description. (9)

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SOURCE TEXT
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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” 1960
( 2) Berkshire Archaeological Society The Berkshire archaeological journal (L.V.Grinsell) 40, 1936 Page(s)24
( 3) Berkshire Archaeological Society The Berkshire archaeological journal (G.W.B. Huntingford) Page(s)166-7, 170
( 4) Transactions of the Newbury District Field Club 1, 1870 Page(s)182
( 5) edited by P H Ditchfield and William Page 1906 The Victoria history of Berkshire, volume one The Victoria history of the counties of England Page(s)215
( 6) Field Investigators Comments F1 JP 21-NOV-63
( 7) Berkshire Archaeological Society The Berkshire archaeological journal (Reading Museum) 62, 1965-6 Page(s)72, 74
( 8) D Miles, S Palmer, G Lock, C Gosden, and AM Cromarty 2003 Uffington White Horse and its landscape Page(s)24, 34
( 9) English Heritage 2005 Heritage Unlocked: London and the South East Page(s)111

A number of barrows located next to the much degraded River Bourne.

Some of these barrows were opened in 1861 by Lukis who found coarse dark ware sherds,

Details of Hillfort on Pastscape

A bivallate hillfort, with ceramic evidence for pre-hillfort occupation. Mesolithic and Neolithic flint implements also present.

(Centred SU 216505) Sidbury Camp (NR) (1)
Sidbury Camp, a bivallate Iron Age hillfort (see air-photograph (3)), enclosing 17 acres. (2)
Iron Age A/B sherds (prob Phases 2-3) were found by O Meyrick (2) in 1948 (4), by the ramparts, and by Megaw during an excavation in 1957, on a section of the innermost bank (see plan). (3)
Six Neolithic flints were found in clearing away the base of the chalk rubble core of the inner rampart, where tank tracks appeared to have cut into the original old land surface, below the rampart make-up. Finds went to Meyrick’s private collection (2) and Devizes Museum (4).
A double axe mound in the Pitt-Rivers Museum at Farnham is recorded as being found at Sidbury Camp. (5)
A sub-triangular bivallate hillfort enclosing seven hectares, with the remains of an entrance in the NW side which is protected by a ditched outerwork. Four other cuts in the ramparts and mutilations to the outer rampart are the result of former military exercises with tracked vehicles and probably 19th century gravel digging along the west side. No relationship can be established between the fort and the ranch boundary type ditches which converge upon it because of perimetal destruction by tracks and afforestation. Resurveyed at 1:2500. (6)
A possible Mesolithic flaked axe was found on Sidbury Hill in 1954. Devizes Museum Acc. No. 25.1969 (7)
The hillfort is at the centre of a Late Bronze Age/Iron Age boundary complex, however the precise relationship is uncertain as their meeting point, if there was one, would have been destroyed by the construction of the ramparts. Excavations were carried out on selected linear earthworks as part of the Wessex Linear Ditches. One such excavation took place on SU 25 SW 172 (LDP 096) which was situated c. 200m from the hillfort. Here the Late Bronze Age boundary ditch had been recut to form a stepped profile characteristic of Early-Middle Iron Age ditches within this complex. This was in turn sealed by the hillfort ramparts.
There is no structural evidence for a pre-hillfort settlement but Bradley interprets this possibility by the presence of one sherd of Late Bronze Age Plain Ware and eleven sherds of haematite-coated pottery belonging to the All Cannings Cross tradition. These were recovered from the excavation of one of the boundary ditches near the ramparts (SU 25 SW 166 – LDP 100) and must have originated from an existing settlement on Sidbury. (8)

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SOURCE TEXT
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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” 1926
( 2) General reference VCH Wilts 1 pt 1 1957 92 & 26B
( 3) General reference APs (Crawford colln 1499 undated J K St Joseph CS 022 undt
( 4) General reference WAM 62 1967 115-7 plan illust (J V S Megaw)
( 5a) General reference The Barrow Diggers 1839 (Anon)
( 5) General reference WAM 53 1949-50 258 (A D Passmore)
( 6) Field Investigators Comments F1 MJF 20-APR-72
( 7) General reference Wilts. Archaeol. Natur. Hist. Mag. 65, 1970, 215
( 8) General reference English Heritage Archaeol. Rept. 2 1994: Prehistoric Land Subdivisions on Salisbury Plain 134ff (R. Bradley, R. Entwistle, F. Raymond)

Details of Barrow Cemetary on Pastscape

A Bronze Age barrow cemetery originally comprising approximately 29 barrows with several other isolated from the main group to the south west. Most of the barrows were investigated by Colt Hoare in the 19th century with further excavations carried out in the 1950s by Thomas with finds deposited at Devizes Museum. The barrows suffered considerable damage during the Second World War from tanks and it is believed that at least ten were obliterated.

(Centred SU 217520) Tumuli (NR). (1)
A barrow cemetery comprising of bowl, bell, disc and saucer barrows on Snail Down (see plan). Excavation by Thomas in 1953, 1955 (3) and 1957 (4), following damage by tanks during the 1939-45 war, has now obliterated ten of the original twenty-nine barrows. There are several more barrows isolated from the main group to the south-west (SU 25 SW 9 and SU 25 SW 92).
The barrows have been recorded incorporating the numbering schemes adopted by Thomas (2-4), Grinsell (5), and Colt Hoare (6). All the barrows excepting Thomas’s 9 (SU 25 SW 125), 11 (SU 25 SW 126), 12 (SU 25 SW 127), 25 (SU 25 SW 116) and 4 (SU 25 SW 104) or 6 (SU 25 SW 122) were excavated by Colt Hoare. (5-6)
Thomas’s barrows 5-13 (2) (SU 25 SW 121-128) comprises of a group of nine small bowl barrows, some touching. They were
constructed by scraped-up topsoil but excavation has almost destroyed them, some at least apparently contained burials
after cremation. The barrows had been built over the remains of an earlier occupation site. A large number of post and stake-
holes together with sherds of beakers and grooved ware, and stone and flint implements. The finds from the excavations went to Devizes Museums. (2-4)
Twenty eight features were published on the OS 25” c. 1910 of which one, that between Thomas’s 3 (SU 25 SW 103) and 6 (SU 25 SW 122) at SU 21635206 was evidently not in existence by 1957 since it is not recorded by Grinsell or noted by Thomas. It is conceivably the site of a further barrow. Two previously unpublished barrows Thomas’s 11 (SU 25 SW 126) and 28 (SU 25 SW 119), were recorded and excavated and are now reduced to ‘sites’, with nine others, 1 (SU 25 SW 101), 6 (SU 25 SW 122), 9 (SU 25 SW 125), 11 (SU 25 SW 126), 12 (SU 25 SW 127), 13 (SU 25 SW 128), 21 (SU 25 SW 112), 23 (SU 25 SW 114), 24 (SU 25 SW 115), which were published. Most of the eighteen surviving barrows are damaged to some extent and there is clearly an unofficial tank route which crosses all the larger mounds. The dimensions given for the barrows are substantially correct
OS 1:2500 survey revised. (7)
This barrow cemetery was surveyed at 1:1000 by RCHME field staff as part of the SPTA Project (for further details see project archive). Set in open chalk downland, the cemetery comprises 28 barrows set in a loose arc, and deliminated by a series of linear ditches. A `celtic’ field system underlies the linear ditches. (8)

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SOURCE TEXT
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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” 1926
( 2) Nicholas Thomas 1960 A guide to prehistoric England Page(s)15,20,223-7
( 3) The Wiltshire archaeological and natural history magazine 56, 1955-6 Page(s)127-48
( 4) The Wiltshire archaeological and natural history magazine 57, 1958-60 Page(s)5-8
( 5) edited by R B Pugh and Elizabeth Crittall 1957 A history of Wiltshire: volume 1, part 1 The Victoria history of the counties of England 1, 1957 Page(s)209, 213-4,217,223
( 6) by Sir Richard Colt Hoare; introduction by Jack Simmons and D D A Simpson 1975 The ancient history of Wiltshire 1, 1812 Page(s)181-5
( 7) Field Investigators Comments F1 NVQ 04-APR-72
( 8) Field Investigators Comments D Field/12-12-93/RCHME:SPTA Project

Details of Barrow Cemetary on Pastscape

A Bronze Age round barrow cemetery situated on Cow Down. The cemetery comprises 14 bowl barrows, one disc barrow and a possible bowl or pond barrow. The majority survive as earthworks, the others as cropmarks. The barrows which survive as earthworks show damage caused by ploughing, trenching, animal or military action. The cemetery was excavated during the 19th century, mainly by W.C Lukis between 1855-1861 although one barrow is known to have been excavated by Richard Colt Hoare in 1802. The excavations located primary inhumations and cremations, some accompanied by grave goods which included beads, bone implements and pottery. One primary cremation was placed within a hollowed tree trunk accompanied by an antler hammer. There was one known example of an intrusive inhumation which was Iron Age or later in date. Several barrows contained no evidence for structures or features within the mound.

(For details of each barrow which were originally recorded in this record please see individual child records).

[Centred SU 229515] Tumuli [NR]. (1)
Cow Down Barrow cemetery comprises of 13 bowl barrows, a disc barrow and a crop mark of a ring ditch. (Collingbourne Ducis 8a-8d, 9-18) The barrows were excavated by W.C. Lukis during 1855 and 1861. Primary crouched inhumations or cremations, often accompanied by grave goods, were located in all but four of the excavated barrows (SU 25 SW 182, SU 25 SW 189, SU 25 SW 192 and SU 25 SW 194). One of the primary cremations was found within a tree trunk coffin (SU 25 SW 186). Most of these barrows also had secondary burials, mainly cremations. Intrusive inhumations were also recorded in SU 25 SW 183 and SU 25 SW 187. (2,3)
All the barrows were surveyed at 1:2500. (4)
A group of sixteen round barrows on Cow Down. The cemetery comprises 15 bowl barrows and one disc barrow. Nineteenth century excavations produced primary and secondary inhumations and cremations. (5)

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SOURCE TEXT
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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” 1926
( 2) edited by R B Pugh and Elizabeth Crittall 1957 A history of Wiltshire: volume 1, part 1 The Victoria history of the counties of England 1, 1957 Page(s)167-8,217
( 3) The Wiltshire archaeological and natural history magazine 10, 1865 Page(s)85-97
( 4) Field Investigators Comments F1 NVQ 22-MAR-1972
( 6) Scheduled Monument Notification 04-JAN-1990

Details of Barrow on Pastscape

A bowl barrow

(SU 24645095) Tumulus (NR) (1)
Ludgershall 2, a bowl barrow, 13 paces in diameter x 3+ ft high. Cut by a later N/S ditch (3) (2,3)
Encircled by a ditch. (4)
A badly mutilated bowl barrow approximately 1.0m high. Published survey 1:2500 revised. (5)
Originally recorded as Ludgershall 2 by Goddard. (6)

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SOURCE TEXT
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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” 1926
( 2) General reference VCH Wilts, 1, pt 1, 1957, 181 (L.V Grinsell)
( 3a) General reference P Farrer
( 3) General reference Salisbury Plain 6”, Wilts, 48 SE
( 4) General reference Rec 6” (PF – P Farrer?, undated)
( 5) Field Investigators Comments F1 ANK 14-OCT-69
( 6) General reference Wilts. Archaeol. Natur. Hist. Mag. 38, 1913-14. 281 (E.H Goddard)

Details of Barrow on Pastscape

A bowl barrow, (Grinsell’s Ludgershall 1). (SU 24635110) Tumulus (NR) (1)
Ludgershall 1, a bowl barrow with a slight ditch and a recent hollow in the centre of the mound. Dimensions 12 paces in diameter x 2 ft high. Grinsell suggests that it may have been a sighting point for the north-south ditch (SU 25 SW 44) which makes an angulalr turn at this point. (2)
A bowl barrow 0.5m high with faint traces of a ditch. An army triangulation point is concreted into the top. OS 1:2500 survey
revised. (3)
Originally recorded as Ludgershall 1 by Goddard. (4)

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SOURCE TEXT
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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” 1926
( 2) General reference VCH Wilts, 1, pt 1, 1957, 181 (L V Grinsell)
( 3) Field Investigators Comments F1 NVQ 23-MAR-72
( 4) General reference Wilts. Archaeol. Natur. Hist. Mag. 38. 1913-14. 281 (L.V Grinsell)

Details of Barrow on Pastscape

A bowl barrow surrounded by a tree-ring

(SU 24625007) Tumulus (NR) (1)
North Tidworth 2a, a bowl barrow measurieng 14 paces in diameter x 3ft high. A brick structure was built inside it, 1939-45. Surrounded by a tree-ring. (2)
A much mutilated mound, 1.1m high, probably originally a bowl barrow. Surveyed at 1:2500. (3)
Originally recorded as North Tidworth 2a by Goddard. (4)

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SOURCE TEXT
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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” 1926
( 2) General reference VCH Wilts, 1, pt 1, 1957, 185 (L.V Grinsell)
( 3) Field Investigators Comments F1 ANK 14-OCT-69
( 4) General reference Wilts. Archaeol. Natur. Hist. Mag. 38, 1913-14. 331 (E.H Goddard)

Details of Long Barrow on Pastscape

Two standing stones, both cup-marked; recorded as standing on a barrow in the 18th century and possibly part of a stone circle.
(SD 13608110) Standing Stones (NR) known as Giants Grave (NAT) (1)
Two standing stones, 10ft and 8ft high, known as the Giants’ Grave, with a cup-mark on the taller one, are situated half mile west of Lacra. (2-3)
Formerly eight massive columns forming a circle 23 yards in diameter. (4)
The remains of a stone circle as described, see photograph.
Published survey (25”) correct. (5)
(SD 13608110) Giants Grave (NAT) Standing Stones (NR) (6)
The earliest reference to these stones states that “At a place called Kirksanton, is a small tumulus, on the summit of which are two huge stones... near adjoining to this monument, several large stones stood lately.....” (b). The adjacent stones were possibly those of a circle, since destroyed. There is now no trace of a tumulus on the site of the two standing stones. (7)
SD 136811 Giants’ Graves Standing Stones, Kirksanton, scheduled. (8)
Giant’s Grave standing stones; two standing stones, both with cup-marks and described in the 18th century as being located on a barrow. (9)

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SOURCE TEXT
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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” (Prov) 1956
( 2) General reference Trans Cumberland and Westmorland Antiq and Archaeol Soc 1 1874 pp280-1 sketch map (J Eccleston)
( 3) General reference Trans Cumberland and Westmorland Antiq and Archaeol Soc 23 1923 p270 (W Collingwood Bruce)
( 4a) General reference Beauties of England & Wales 3 p232
( 4) General reference Trans Cumberland and Westmorland Antiq and Archaeol Soc 26 1926 p58 (W Collingwood Bruce)
( 5) Field Investigators Comments F1 RWE 21-JAN-69
( 6) General reference OS 1:10000 1977
( 7b) General reference The History of Cumberland 1794 (W Hutchinson)
( 7) edited by C L N Ruggles and A W R Whittle 1981 Astronomy and society in Britain during the period 4000-1500 BC
BAR British series1 (1974) – 88 Page(s)208
( 8) General reference DOE(IAM) Record Form 29 5 86 illust
( 9) General reference English Heritage SAM Amendment 21.7.94

Details of hill fort on Pastscape

(SU 176640) Camp (NR). (1)
A univallate hill fort of 32 acres on Martinsell Hill. Probable entrance in NE corner from where a ditch runs in a NE direction (see Meyrick’s plan (SU 16 SE 4). Parts of red deer antler from rampart (in Marlborough College Museum) and IA ‘C’ sherds, phase 3c, found by Meyrick in quantity to the west (SU 175638) and north-east of the site (SU 181643). He also found three RB sherds just to the west (c SU 17656400). Locally known simply as Martinsell (a); occurs as Maetelmesburg in the 8th century. (2-4)
Martinsell (name verified); a fort comprising a single rampart and ditch 2.8m-3.2m high with outer ditch 1.0m deep. Numerous
modern breaks occur in the work but those at SU 17776420, SU 17756377, and SU 17543383 are probably original entrances. In the NE, the entrance has been eroded by a later holloway which runs for about 70.0m to the NE. Here the ditch has an outer bank 1.0m high running for some 60.0m on either side of the entrance. On the east side the ditch fades into a terrace on which a modern boundary bank has been constructed, and re-forms at the SW angle. The entrance here has been distorted by a later trackway. The NW angle has been mutilated by a quarry and on the N side the outer ditch has been destroyed. The interior is under crops. See SU 16 SE 14/24 for associated occupation finds. Published survey 25” revised. (5)
SU 177 639. Martinsell Hill. Listed in gazetteer as a univallate hillfort covering 13.0ha. (6)
Further finds of IA and Roman pottery have been found at SU176640. The IA sherds include fragments of haematite coated bowls and furrowed bowls. The Roman sherds include C1-2 Samian and Savernake wares and some C3-4 fragments of ampulla, and a bone fragment. Devizes Museum Acc No. 76.1973. (7)
A clear and concise description of the hillfort. (8)

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SOURCE TEXT
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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” 1961
( 2) edited by R B Pugh and Elizabeth Crittall 1957 A history of Wiltshire: volume 1, part 1 The Victoria history of the counties of England 1, 1957 Page(s)89,96,260,268
( 3) The Wiltshire archaeological and natural history magazine plan (O Meyrick) 51, 1945-7 Page(s)157
( 4a) Oral information, correspondence (not archived) or staff comments
( 4) General reference EPNS Wilts 1939 351
( 5) Field Investigators Comments F1 PAS 27-JUL-74
( 6) by A H A Hogg 1979 British hillforts : an index BAR British series1 (1974) – 62, 1979 Page(s)208
( 7) The Wiltshire archaeological and natural history magazine 69, 1974 Page(s)185-6
( 8) by J L Forde-Johnston 1976 Hillforts of the Iron Age in England and Wales : a survey of the surface evidence Page(s)327

Details of site on Pastscape

A natural spring with no artificial features apparently present.

(SU 108 622) Brade Wyll (NR). (1)
“A very ancient and curious ‘Broad Well’ bubbling up in marshy ground near the church”. (2)
Brade Wyll (name verified) refers to natural spring-head at SU 1081 6224. No artifical features were noted.
Published survey 25” correct. (3)

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SOURCE TEXT
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( 1) Ordnance Survey Map (Scale / Date) OS 6” 1926
( 2) General reference RCS Walters (1928) The Ancient Wells, Springs, & Holy Wells of Gloucestershire p161
( 3) Field Investigators Comments F1 PAS 19-AUG-74

Details of Barrow on Pastscape

Bronze Age bowl barrow, listed by Grinsell as Alton 1, located on Milk Hill just to the north of the white horse. The mound is 32 metres in diameter and up to 1.8 metres high, and is surrounded by a ditch. There is a deep central excavation, though no details are known concerning its origins.

(SU 10716387) Tumulus (NR) (1)
Above the White Horse – Alton 1; ditched Bowl barrow, 24 paces x 5 ft, with central hollow in the mound. (2)
A turf-covered ditched bowl barrow in generally good condition. Overall diameter 32.0m, mound 1.8m high. Upcast from a now 0.8m deep central excavation creates a false height of 2.3m on SE quadrant. Ditch, average 4.5m wide and 0.4m deep. Published
1:2500 survey revised. (3)
The possible Bronze Age bowl barrow described by the previous authorities has been mapped from aerial photographs. (4)

Pewsey 5

Details of Barrow on Pastscape

A bowl barrow which may be Colt Hoare’s `Cone Barrow’ which contained a primary and secondary cremation

SU 18755664: Pewsey 5, a bowl barrow 16 paces in diameter and 7ft high. This may be Colt Hoare’s `Cone Barrow’ which contained a primary cremation within a chalk cist and a secondary cremation with a small bronze dagger. (See also SU 15 NE 89) (1-2)
Pewsey 5, as described and measured by Grinsell. Surveyed at 1:2500. (3)
Originally recorded as Pewsey 5 by Goddard. (4)

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SOURCE TEXT
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( 1) General reference VCH Wilts. 1. 1957. 187. (L.V Grinsell)
( 3) Field Investigators Comments F1 JWS 27-MAR-73
( 2) General reference History of Ancient South Wilts. 1. 1810. 191 (R. Colt Hoare)
( 4) General reference Wilts. Archaeol. Natur. Hist. Mag. 38, 1913-14, 306-307 (E.H Goddard)