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Europe, British Isles, North-Central England, Staffordshire Moorlands
Staffordshire Moorlands is in Staffordshire.
Europe, British Isles, North-Central England, Staffordshire Moorlands, Ecton [Map]
The River Manifold rises on Axe Edge Moor [Map] after which it travels broadly south past Longnor, Saffordshire [Map], Hulme End [Map], Ecton, Staffordshire [Map], Thor's Cave [Map], Beeston Tor, Staffordshire [Map] and Ilam, Staffordshire [Map] at which it joins the River Dove.
Europe, British Isles, North-Central England, Staffordshire Moorlands, Ecton Barrow 1 [Map]
Ecton Barrow 1 is also in Peak District Bronze Age Barrows.
Ecton Hill. On the 18th of May, we commenced by opening a barrow [Probably Ecton Barrow 1 [Map]] on a hill near the celebrated Ecton Mine, called Hanging Bank. The tumulus is about 20 yards diameter, 4 feet high, and concave in the centre like a bowl. In the middle was found a deposit of calcined human bones, with those of the water-rat in abundance, close to which lay part of the skeleton of an adult, the other part of which had been removed as recorded by Plot, in his History of Staffordshire, 1686 folio, page 330.- "In digging open a Lowe on Ecton Hill, near Warslow, in this county, there were found mens' bones, as I was told, of an extraordinary size, which were preserved for some time, by one Rev. Mr. Hamilton, Vicar of Alstonefield." The burnt bones had also been disturbed at the same time. Both interments lay on the natural surface, unprotected by any cist; the calcined bones were accompanied by a large bone pin, upwards of 5 inches long, two spear points, and two arrow heads of flint, all of which had passed through the fire. A piece of stag's horn was found in another part of the mound.
Ecton. On the evenings of the 11th and 12th of June we investigated a barrow [Probably Ecton Barrow 1 [Map]] on Ecton Hill, which was partially opened on the 18th of May, 1848. On the south side we found a deposit of burnt bones, which had been placed in a large urn, with a projecting border ornamented with diagonal lines, accompanied by two unburnt tines of the antler of the red deer. The urn was much broken when found. Towards the east side was a skeleton much broken and decayed, the head towards the outside; accompanied by a few burnt bones, fragments of earthenware, a few pieces of flint, and animal bones, including a boar's tusk. At the south-west side of the mound were more human bones, which had been disturbed by miners, who finding lead in the tumulus, had concluded it to be the site of an ancient bloomery or smelting-place, such being formerly established on hills for the sake of the draught; their locality is yet indicated by the word Bole, as Bole Hill, &c.
Europe, British Isles, North-Central England, Staffordshire Moorlands, Ecton Barrow 2 [Map]
Ecton Barrow 2 is also in Peak District Bronze Age Barrows.
Ecton Hill. On the 9th of May we opened a barrow [Ecton Barrow 2 [Map]] on Ecton Hill, a few hundred yards south of that examined on the Hang Bank. We cleared a space about 13 feet square, in the middle, beyond which there was not more than a foot of raised earth, so that a more extensive cutting was needless, and within this limited area we found eight interments, deposited on the rocky surface of the land, about 18 inches below the turf covering the barrow, which had probably been reduced in elevation by repeated ploughing. The general arrangement of the interments may be simply explained by the statement, that in the centre was a skeleton lying in a contracted posture upon the right side, surrounded by six skeletons all lying contracted upon the left side; and a deposit of calcined bones placed against a stone. They were discovered in the following order. First, the burnt bones; second, a skeleton, beneath which were two rude flints partially calcined; third, a skeleton; fourth, skeleton, accompanied by a round flint; fifth and sixth, two skeletons, lying opposite ways, with the skidls in contact; seventh, skeleton, with a small wrought flint; eighth, a skeleton. With the flfth were a few burnt bones, and the fourth was the central interment.
Europe, British Isles, North-Central England, Staffordshire Moorlands, Ecton Barrow 3 [Map]
Ecton Barrow 3 is also in Peak District Bronze Age Barrows.
Ecton Hill. On the evenings of the 12th and 13th of May, we opened a second barrow [Ecton Barrow 3 [Map]] upon Hang Bank, about 300 yards east of that [Ecton Barrow 1 [Map]] previously examined. The diameter is about sixteen yards^ and the mound appears perfect; but notwithstanding its promising exterior, nothing of importance was discovered, a small deposit of burnt bones only being laid in a depression in the natural soil. About a foot from them were two pieces of flint — one a rounded, the other a pointed instrument which seems designed for an arrow-head. The barrow being raised on a ridge of rock was not so deep as it appeared, having an elevation of about two feet in the centre. It was found to be composed throughout of earth, although the neighbourhood abounds with stone, and was so completely excavated that we are satisfied no other interment has ever been made.
Europe, British Isles, North-Central England, Staffordshire Moorlands, Elkstones
Europe, British Isles, North-Central England, Staffordshire Moorlands, Elkstones Barrow 1 [Map]
Elkstones Barrow 1 is also in Peak District Bronze Age Barrows.
Elsktone. August 31st — On the summit of a hill, south-west of Elkstone, are two barrows [Elkstones Barrow 1 [Map] and Elkstones Barrow 2 [Map]], near each other, both of which were examined on the same day. The first, sixteen yards diameter and one yard in central height, was opened by a section through the middle, three yards long and one wide, cut through stiff earth and clay, mixed near the surface with stone. The trench was afterwards enlarged by cutting about a yard more from one side, when a few burnt bones and two small flints were found. Continuing this extension down to the natural surface, we found a full-grown skeleton, with the legs drawn up, lying on its right side, with the head to the north-west. The bones, which were much decayed, had become embedded in clayey earth whilst sound, and now appeared more like a cast or impression than a real skeleton. It had been laid on the floor of the barrow, on which was a thin coat of ashes, causing the superincumbent earth to separate so perfectly as to leave a level surface round the bones, thus aiding the illusion. A stone placed lengthway at each side afforded the only protection, and in the earth above we found a bronze awl, lather thicker than usual, a few instruments of flint, two animal teeth, pieces of human bone in calcined and natural state, and rats' bones in small quantity. The second barrow is twenty yards across and only one foot high. In the centre was a large rubbing-post for cattle, which had been set up in the midst of a deposit of calcined bones buried about a foot beneatb the surface. They were spread over a space a yard long by about a foot wide, from whence a great many were collected, though some were left closely imbedded in claj, forming a light-coloured seam about an inch and a half thick, out of which they were with difficulty to be taken. They were accompanied by part of a very beautifully ornamented vase, which had been destroyed by the rubbing-post, and a few pieces of calcined flint, three only of which can be called instruments. A little lower, and to the side, were the decayed remains of a young person, accompanied by a large boar's tusk and some important flints. Underneath we found a large grave, cut four feet deep in the rock and filled with stones, which were emptied out for the length of three yards, without showing either end of the grave; its least width was four feet, but it appeared to increase the further we went. On the rocky bottom lay a skeleton in a contracted posture, with the head to the north-west, much in the same manner as that in the other barrow. The closest scrutiny failed to reveal any thing beyond rats' bones as an accompaniment. The femur measures 18½ inches. A large sandstone, with a small bowl-shaped cavity worked in it, was found near the burnt bones. A similar stone was found at Stanton, Staffordshire, and other examples will occur in the course of the volume.
Europe, British Isles, North-Central England, Staffordshire Moorlands, Elkstones Barrow 2 [Map]
Elkstones Barrow 2 is also in Peak District Bronze Age Barrows.
Elsktone. August 31st — On the summit of a hill, south-west of Elkstone, are two barrows [Elkstones Barrow 1 [Map] and Elkstones Barrow 2 [Map]], near each other, both of which were examined on the same day. The first, sixteen yards diameter and one yard in central height, was opened by a section through the middle, three yards long and one wide, cut through stiff earth and clay, mixed near the surface with stone. The trench was afterwards enlarged by cutting about a yard more from one side, when a few burnt bones and two small flints were found. Continuing this extension down to the natural surface, we found a full-grown skeleton, with the legs drawn up, lying on its right side, with the head to the north-west. The bones, which were much decayed, had become embedded in clayey earth whilst sound, and now appeared more like a cast or impression than a real skeleton. It had been laid on the floor of the barrow, on which was a thin coat of ashes, causing the superincumbent earth to separate so perfectly as to leave a level surface round the bones, thus aiding the illusion. A stone placed lengthway at each side afforded the only protection, and in the earth above we found a bronze awl, lather thicker than usual, a few instruments of flint, two animal teeth, pieces of human bone in calcined and natural state, and rats' bones in small quantity. The second barrow is twenty yards across and only one foot high. In the centre was a large rubbing-post for cattle, which had been set up in the midst of a deposit of calcined bones buried about a foot beneatb the surface. They were spread over a space a yard long by about a foot wide, from whence a great many were collected, though some were left closely imbedded in claj, forming a light-coloured seam about an inch and a half thick, out of which they were with difficulty to be taken. They were accompanied by part of a very beautifully ornamented vase, which had been destroyed by the rubbing-post, and a few pieces of calcined flint, three only of which can be called instruments. A little lower, and to the side, were the decayed remains of a young person, accompanied by a large boar's tusk and some important flints. Underneath we found a large grave, cut four feet deep in the rock and filled with stones, which were emptied out for the length of three yards, without showing either end of the grave; its least width was four feet, but it appeared to increase the further we went. On the rocky bottom lay a skeleton in a contracted posture, with the head to the north-west, much in the same manner as that in the other barrow. The closest scrutiny failed to reveal any thing beyond rats' bones as an accompaniment. The femur measures 18½ inches. A large sandstone, with a small bowl-shaped cavity worked in it, was found near the burnt bones. A similar stone was found at Stanton, Staffordshire, and other examples will occur in the course of the volume.
Europe, British Isles, North-Central England, Staffordshire Moorlands, Longnor [Map]
The River Dove rises on Axe Edge Moor [Map] after which it travels broadly south past Longnor, Saffordshire [Map], Pilsbury [Map], Hartington [Map], Milldale, Derbyshire [Map], Thorpe, Derbyshire [Map], just before whic it is joined by the River Manifold, Mapleton, Derbyshire [Map], Mayfield, Staffordshire [Map], Norbury, Derbyshire [Map], Rocester, Staffordshire [Map], Sudbury Hall [Map] and Tutbury Castle, Staffordshire [Map] before joining the River Trent at Newton Solney [Map].
The River Manifold rises on Axe Edge Moor [Map] after which it travels broadly south past Longnor, Saffordshire [Map], Hulme End [Map], Ecton, Staffordshire [Map], Thor's Cave [Map], Beeston Tor, Staffordshire [Map] and Ilam, Staffordshire [Map] at which it joins the River Dove.
Europe, British Isles, North-Central England, Staffordshire Moorlands, Longnor, Booth Low Barrows
Booth Low Barrows. The three Booth Low barrows form a line that follows the ridge of a a hill known as The Low that descends into the Manifold valley.
Booth Low near Longnor. June the 9th we opened the second of three large barrows at Booth Low, the first of which had been excavated not long before by a resident in the neighbourhood, who discovered a deposit of calcined human bones near the centre of the tumulus, unaccompanied by any urn or instrument. Each of the barrows is about forty yards ill circumference, and eight feet high: that under consideration is nearest the village of Longnor [Note. Booth Low Barrow 1 [Map]]. One successful section through the middle shewed that the funeral rites had been performed upon the spot, the body having been reduced to ashes on the natural level of the ground, the remains were then gathered into a heap and covered with a layer of clay, above which a large fire of oak timber was made, the remains of which, in the shape of large pieces of charcoal, perfectly exhibiting the characteristic grain of oak, were then covered up with successive layers of tempered earth, mixed with a few stones, by which means the mound was formed. A few chippings of flint and a small piece of stag's horn were noticed in the course of the excavation.
Europe, British Isles, North-Central England, Staffordshire Moorlands, Longnor, Booth Low Barrows, Booth Low Barrow 1 [Map]
Booth Low Barrow 1 is also in Peak District Bronze Age Barrows.
Booth Low near Longnor. June the 9th we opened the second of three large barrows at Booth Low, the first of which had been excavated not long before by a resident in the neighbourhood, who discovered a deposit of calcined human bones near the centre of the tumulus, unaccompanied by any urn or instrument. Each of the barrows is about forty yards ill circumference, and eight feet high: that under consideration is nearest the village of Longnor [Note. Booth Low Barrow 1 [Map]]. One successful section through the middle shewed that the funeral rites had been performed upon the spot, the body having been reduced to ashes on the natural level of the ground, the remains were then gathered into a heap and covered with a layer of clay, above which a large fire of oak timber was made, the remains of which, in the shape of large pieces of charcoal, perfectly exhibiting the characteristic grain of oak, were then covered up with successive layers of tempered earth, mixed with a few stones, by which means the mound was formed. A few chippings of flint and a small piece of stag's horn were noticed in the course of the excavation.
Europe, British Isles, North-Central England, Staffordshire Moorlands, Longnor, Booth Low Barrows, Booth Low Barrow 2 [Map]
Booth Low Barrow 2 is also in Peak District Bronze Age Barrows.
Booth Low near Longnor. On the 23rd of June we made an unsuccessful examination of the third barrow at Booth Low, situated near the last [Note. Either Booth Low Barrow 2 [Map] or Booth Low Barrow 3 [Map]]. With the exception of a few pieces of charcoal, there were no indications of interment observed during the progress of a very large cutting through the centre, which was extended to a slight depression below the natural surface, making the entire depth from the top of the mound rather more than eight feet.
Europe, British Isles, North-Central England, Staffordshire Moorlands, Longnor, Booth Low Barrows, Booth Low Barrow 3 [Map]
Booth Low Barrow 3 is also in Peak District Bronze Age Barrows.
Booth Low near Longnor. On the 23rd of June we made an unsuccessful examination of the third barrow at Booth Low, situated near the last [Note. Either Booth Low Barrow 2 [Map] or Booth Low Barrow 3 [Map]]. With the exception of a few pieces of charcoal, there were no indications of interment observed during the progress of a very large cutting through the centre, which was extended to a slight depression below the natural surface, making the entire depth from the top of the mound rather more than eight feet.
Europe, British Isles, North-Central England, Staffordshire Moorlands, Warslow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, North-Central England, Staffordshire Moorlands, Warslow Barrow 1 [Map]
Warslow. On the 24th of December we examined a barrow [Possibly Warslow Barrow 1 [Map] which does have a wall over it, or Warslow Barrow 2 [Map] which is near Copse Field?] on an eminence near Warslow, called the Cops, having a wall built across the middle. We found the floor of the mound depressed in the centre, where, at the depth of four feet from the summit, were two skeletons of young men, lying on their left sides, about a yard asunder. One of them possessed a single instrument of flint, the other had two; and in both cases they were deposited under the skull.
Europe, British Isles, North-Central England, Staffordshire Moorlands, Warslow Barrow 2 [Map]
Warslow. On the 24th of December we examined a barrow [Possibly Warslow Barrow 1 [Map] which does have a wall over it, or Warslow Barrow 2 [Map] which is near Copse Field?] on an eminence near Warslow, called the Cops, having a wall built across the middle. We found the floor of the mound depressed in the centre, where, at the depth of four feet from the summit, were two skeletons of young men, lying on their left sides, about a yard asunder. One of them possessed a single instrument of flint, the other had two; and in both cases they were deposited under the skull.