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Books, Prehistory, Archaeologia Volume 42 1869 Section IX, Chambered Long Barrows
Chambered Long Barrows is in Archaeologia Volume 42 1869 Section IX.
Books, Prehistory, Archaeologia Volume 42 1869 Section IX, Chambered Long Barrows, Orientation
Orientation.—As to their position in regard to the cardinal points, at least two out of three lie due east and west, with their chambered ends, which are usually the highest and broadest, to the east. This definite orientation, however, may have been equally intended in those barrows which point to the south-east rather than to the east or north-east; and the deviation, if not accidental, may imply that such barrows were erected during the winter solstice. If these be regarded as pointing eastward, then we count four out of every five as having a definite orientation. In about one out of every five, however, the mound lies distinctly north and south ; and, as regards these, it is observable that in some the chambered or broad end is to the north, in others to the south. Exactly the same variety of arrangement was observed in the unchambered long barrows. At Nempnet [Map] and in Wayland's Smithy [Map], the southern end is or was the chambered one ; at Charlton Abbot's,a Ablington, and Gatecombe Park, the northern.
Note a. A plan of this barrow, termed Belas or Bellers Knap, will be found in Mem. Anthrop. Soc. i. 474, and in Proc. Soc. Antiq. 2S. iii. 276.