Cotswolds Neolithic Tombs
Cotswolds Neolithic Tombs is in Prehistoric Cotswolds, Neolithic Burials.
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Herefordshire, Dorstone, Arthur's Stone Long Barrow [Map]
Transactions of the Woolhope Club 1881 Golden Valley Meeting. To this modern description we are fortunately enabled to add some most interesting particulars, written by an intelligent and competent observer, who made a personal inspection of this interesting object, at the beginning of the reign of Queen Anne, or about 180 years ago.
In the first English Edition of Camden's Britannia, which was published in the year 1610, no mention is made of Arthur's Stone, nor is it marked on Speed's Map of that date. The other writer referred to is Nathaniel Salmon, a Bachelor of Laws, Antiquary and Historian, who was born circa 1676, son of the Rev. Thomas Salmon, also an antiquary. In Salmon's book, published in 1728 and 1729, entitled "A new Survey of England, wherein the defects of Camden are supplied and the errors of his followers remarked," he says, — "The remarkable curiosity of Rolle-Rich Stones [Map] (in Oxfordshire) hath not been sufficiently explained, either as to the original Form of that Monument, the age of it, or the Intention of the Erection. Out of the several Guesses that have been made, some hints may be taken, and seem capable of Improvement.
"Comparing that of Stonehenge with tliis, and the other in Cornwall, mentioned by the Right Reverend Annotator upon Camden, and a fourth which I have seen about twenty-five years ago, in Herefordshire, I am of opinion they are all the work of the same age, and made with the same intention."
"If my conjecture be right that of Herefordshire having more Remains of its Ancient Figure than any of the rest, is first to be described."
" Upon a hill west of the river Wye above Bradwardyn Castle, in the way toward the Black Mountains, is a flat, oblong stone, or a number of stones joined together, lying upon the pedestals of rude upright stones fix'd in the earth, after the manner of Rolle-Rich. A great part of the work is entire ; the supporting stones being at the same distance from the verge of that they bear. The eastern point (as I remember it was eastern), is narrower than the rest as much as the eastern part of a gravestone. It seems to have increased in breadth toward the west, but the western end being demolished, as well the upper stones as the pedestals, neither the length of the whole nor the breadth of the western part can be determined. What remains (as I remember), was about six yards long, and two yards broad. The flat stone was then in three pieces, but the sides of those pieces answering one another, and not joining as they would have been made to do if they had been originally single, but indented like something broken, I take them to have been but one at first. From whatever quarry it was brought, or by whatever carriage, it hath the air of a natural stone, not of one put together with a strong cement. Its height from the ground was about twenty inches. I remember the sheep of the country, which are small, sheltered themselves under it from the sun. The name by which the country people call this, is Artil's Stone [Map], corrupted probably from Arthur's Stone. This may have been taught them by somebody that had a notion of Arthur's Round Table, thinking this erected with the same design. Or supposing this to be of the same age and design with Stonehenge, the memory of Arthur may be kept up by its similitude to the other, for Arthur, according to our Monkish History was a great man ; and the honour attributed to Aurelius Ambrosius, who took upon him the government of the Britons when their affairs were desperate, after the departure of the Romans, Arthur is always allowed to share in. This might be from Arthur's being a Briton, whereas the other was half if not wholly of Roman blood."
Collections Towards the History and Antiquities of the County of Herefordshire by John Duncumb, A.M. Terra antiqua, potens armis atque ubere glebe. Virgil Æneid. [Ancient, mighty in arms and fertile soil].
Title Page Drawing of Arthur's Stone Long Barrow [Map]
Transactions of the Woolhope Club 1872 Meeting at Bredwardine. Meeting at Bredwardine. Friday, July 26th, 1872.
The party re-assembled at the cromlech, or so-called druidical monument known as King Arthur's Stone [Map], which is situated in the middle of an ancient road, probably British, leading along the ridge to Herbage Point, and thence to Clock-mill where it joins the road to Hay along the south bank of the Wye. Arthur's Stone has been so often described as to need little to be said about it, save that it is a true cromlech evidently of great antiquity. It consists of a superincumbent slab of old red sandstone, probably brought from a neighbouring quarry on the west or Dorstone slope of the ridge, which is now broken in two ways. The lower stratum has become detached from the upper, and has fallen partly to the ground, while the upper portion, which is about two feet thick, and is estimated to be about 40 tons in weight, is split across the middle. The stone, however, is still supported by the six smaller stones upon which it was originally placed. It is surrounded at about eight feet distance by a circle of stones of considerable size, which are now mostly covered with greensward. There seems to have been an inner circle of upright stones about four feet high, of which only four are now to be traced, the remainder having probably been broken up and carried off to mend the road, or for some other purpose. One of these stones, which is singularly marked as though with a gigantic thumb and two fingers, lies on the roadside, where it is shown by some relaters of local tradition as bearing the marks of King Arthur's knees, as he knelt down, while others declare that the marks are those of his thumb and fingers, when he was playing at quoits. The marks themselves seem to have been produced by water, and are analogous to those produced upon the edge of a bed of rock where the stream breaks into tiny cascades, such as are common in the bed of the Wye near Builth and elsewhere. How the stone reached its present position is of course a matter for conjecture, but it is probable that it was with the other smaller stones brought from the Wye.
On the Dorstone slope of the hill, and in the valley, some large travelled stones are found, which would seem to suggest that at one time there had been an avenue of stones marking the ascent to the cromlech.
It is much to be regretted that this interesting relic of a far-off time is left in its present state of utter neglect, a prey not only to the destructive action of the seasons, but also to the heedless ravages of mankind. It would require no great expenditure at least to clear the outer circle of stones of the earth which has accumulated upon them, and thus to lay bare to the observer the exact nature of the place, and it would be a trivial sacrifice of land to divert the road a little to the eastsward, so as to save that side of the circle from further destruction. It is possible that the excavation necessary for the purpose would be rewarded by discoveries of articles of interest, but in any case the diversion of the road would be an easy way of presenting this fine relic from casual or wanton damage. As the only monument of its class in the county, it merits some little care for its own sake, while such care would relieve the archaeologists of the county of some discredit which the present neglected condition of the stone justly throws upon them.
As the party were grouped around the stone, the Vice-Presidents and some other gentlemen present invited Mr. Edmunds to say a few words on its history.
Mr. Edmunds, in responding to the unexpected call, said that he was much in the position of Canning's knife-grinder, when asked for his story:
Story, Lor' bless ye, I have none to tell. Sir!
He had not been able to find any historical references to King Arthur's Stone, while the legends were few and imperfect, yielding no distinct ground even for plausible conjecture as to the person to whom or the time when that structure was reared. The name was rather patriotism than history. There is no reason for supposing that King Arthur ever ruled in this district. It is true that the existence of Arthur had been disputed, but the doubt seemed to the speaker an unreasonable one. There was certainly a real King Arthur who ruled the district now known as Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall, and whose body was found buried at Avallonia in the reign of Henry II., but there is no reason for connecting him with this cromlech unless we take the name as a patriotic myth. As the great national hero, Arthur was to the Briton the symbol of the glorious past of their independence, and everything remarkable or interesting seemed to be consecrated by bearing the name of Arthur. Thus we have mountains, cromlechs, stones, and other objects in distant places where Arthur never ruled, as well as in his own little kingdom, named from the hero-king. Of course where nothing certain was known there was a fine field for conjecture (a laugh). The archaeologists had "ample room and verge enough" for theory. There were indeed some facts, very massive and imposing and undeniable ; there was the huge table of stone, the crom-lech, or covering stone, its firmly fixed supports, the remains of a small inner circle, and the large outer circle covered with earth and greensward, and fragrant with purple thyme and other wild flowers, upon which the audience were seated. These were the facts, and all he could do was but to endeavour to explain them from other monuments of the kind which he had visited. The ground plan, for example, seemed to be a miniature of that of Stonehenge, which, however, had no central cromlech. He thought it was probable that the circle had been double, a passage being thus left all round, although only one of the inner ring of stones was left standing. The circular form was to his mind conclusive evidence of British work. The Briton's mind seems to have been full of the circle: the circle of the heavens, the circle of the sun, the circle of the moon, the circle of the seasons, seem to have suggested the idea, which the Briton carried out in his camps, his dwellings, his temples, his burial places. Just as the Roman founded all his works on the right line and always used the square or the oblong, a square and a half. In this case, he thought the cromlech was built first. Some great Silurian chief was brought thither with rude pomp and ceremony ; his body was placed on the ground, covered perhaps with a little earth ; the body of his favourite horse was laid at his feet, and his weapons by his side, and the huge Lech or covering stone was brought up an inclined plane upon rollers, and so placed by the strong arms of a nation as a memorial of their lost chief to future ages. All this would be done, as the old British phrase has it, "in the face of the sun and in the eye of light," and amid a band of white-robed Druids and bards, while the armed throng formed a reverent circle around. Then, too, at night, if we might follow some interpreters of the bards, the hollow place beneath the cromlech might be used in the initiation of neophytes. Lonely watching in the house of death has always been supposed to confer wisdom, and especially prescience, upon the watcher, who regarded it as the house of life to his spirit. Here he communed with the invisible world, and from hence he issued after his vigils (like the knight of mediaeval times) pledged to a new life. Perhaps he ought to apologise for detaining the audience so long with these theories and conjectures, but he had told them that he had little of information to give them ; and they would all agree with him that when one has really little to say it sometimes takes a great many words to say it (applause).
The Rev. James Davies expressed the obligations of the meeting to Mr. Edmunds for his most interesting address, and added that if that was an instance of a person having little to say they all felt that Mr. Edmunds had said it extremely well (applause).
Mr. Lloyd also expressed the interest which he had felt in the address.
Mr. J. E. Smith said that some writers looked upon Arthur as the sun, and the legends regarding him as myths of the sun-worship. "Ar" was said to be a word meaning light.
Mr. Edmunds doubted the correctness of that theory. He knew the word ar as meaning land, and lux and cognate words as meaning light, in the Celtic and Teutonic tongues, but he knew nothing of ar as meaning light in those tongues.
Sir George Cornewall, who had arrived while Mr. Edmunds was speaking, expressed his regret that he had accidentally missed the address. What he had heard had greatly interested him.
The party then made their way to the beautiful "Clumps" above the village of Bredwardine, where they partook of lunch. Afterwards the club held an ordinary meeting, when some formal business was transacted.
Sir George Cornewall then announced that the only paper to be read that day was that of Mr. Edmunds and Mr. Curley, who had visited the scene of the destructive whirlwind of Sunday week. (See the succeeding page.)
Transactions of the Woolhope Club 1881 Golden Valley Meeting. Golden Valley Meeting. May 25th, 1882. Arthur's Stone, Dorstone, By Mr. George H. Piper, F.G.S., President.
The very fine, and tolerably well-preserved Cromlech (Welsh, from crom, bent, arched or covering ; llec a flat stone) on Merbage Hill, in the parish of Dorstone, known by the name of "Arthur's Stone [Map]," is one of the most perfect Druidic structures in our Island.
Cromlechs in British antiquities, are huge, broad, flat stones, raised upon other stones set up on end for that purpose.
Transactions of the Woolhope Club 1900 Arthur's Stone. Arthur's Stone [Map], Dorstone. By H. Cecil Moore.
For previous remarks on Arthur's Stone, see the paper by Mr. Piper in Transactions 1882, page 175. Subsequently to the visit of our Club to Arthur's Stone, and whilst the Volume of our Transactions is in the press, circumstances have called more than usual attention to one of our most ancient megalithic monuments, viz., Stonehenge (Saxon Stán-henge, the hanging stones). The dislodgment, in the latter part of December, 1900, of one of the capstones of a trilithon in the outer circle, has led to certain protective work being carried out and to the placing of the well-known "leaning stone" of one of the tallest separate trilithons in an upright and thoroughly secure position. This newly-erected colossus is about 21 feet in height, and the portion of stone underground measured 8 feet. In the work of excavation stone hammers, heavy mauls for rough dressing the stones, and chips were uncovered, and not a single metal tool of any kind was discovered, indicating so far that the stones were erected previous to the bronze age. From thousands of other finds in England the bronze age is placed between 1800 and 2000 B.C. Moreover the character of the mauls, heavy hand instruments, unpolished and not fixed in handles after the manner of neolithic instruments, is suggestive of Old Stone Age rather than Neolithic implements.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Arthur's Stone Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Winchcombe, Belas Knapp Long Barrow [Map]
3000BC. Belas Knapp Long Barrow [Map] is a Severn-Cotswolds Tomb. It has false entrance and four burial chambers.
Description of the Chambered Tumuli of Uley and Nympsfield. Belas Knap [Map]. — The interesting tumulus of Belas Knap, in the parish of Charlton Abbots, was examined, and described by Mr. Winterbotham in 1863 and 1864.2 The barrow is of the usual heart-shaped form, and it measures 197 feet in length, 75 feet in width near the centre, and from 12 to 13 feet in height. It lies north and south, and is of the same type as the tumuli at Rodmarton and A veiling, having lateral chambers. About a yard within the outer margin of the barrow is a wall of slaty stone, about 2 feet high, except at the north end where it rises to 7 feet, and gradually curves inward so as to make a passage towards the centre. This terminates about 20 ft. from the outer margin by a massive slab, set vertically between two pillars and, with them, supporting a still larger stone set horizontally, but there was no entrance. At the sides of the barrow are two smaller openings leading to chambers, and there is another at the south end (see Fig. 16).
Proc. Roc, Antiquaries, Vol. III., 2nd series, p. 275.
3 Belas Knapp. Belas Knapp Long Barrow [Map]
This celebrated barrow is situated in the parish of Charlton Abbots, seven miles east of Cheltenham and four from Winchcombe, just above a wood known as "Humble Bee How," or "Humble Bey How." It is 197 feet long, and 75 feet wide near the centre, its greatest height being twelve feet six inches. Its direction is north and south, the highest part of the barrow being at the north end. A wall of dry stone surrounded the barrow about two feet high except at the north end, where it rose to seven feet and curved inwards, so as to form a passage towards the centre. This ended about twenty feet from the outer slopes in a massive slab set vertically between two pillars, and supporting a still larger slab set horizontally. At the sides of the barrow are two smaller openings leading to cells, and another cell or cistern is towards the south end. In 1863 a large flat stone, lying exposed on the surface of the barrow at its southern end, was removed, and proved to be the cover of a cell six feet long and two feet six inches wide. In this were found four human bodies, some bones and tusks of boars, a bone scoop, four pieces of pottery, and a few flints. In the autumn of 1863 five more bodies of children and one young man were found at the north end, under a stone eight feet square and two feet thick. Another chamber was found in 1864 on the east side; it was formed of four large rough stones, enclosing an area about five feet square. In this, twelve skeletons were found, but no pottery or flints. Another cistern was found at the south end covered with three large horizontal stones, and walled all round. Another chamber was found on the west side containing the remains of no less than fourteen bodies. The number of skeletons found altogether numbered thirty-eight, of all ages, from the infant to extreme old age. All the skulls were of the dolicho-cephalic type except one, and this was doubtless a secondary interment.
See "Proceedings Soc. Ant.," 2nd ser., vol. III, p275.
Also "Mem. Anthrop. Soc." vol. I, p474.
Also "Proceedings Cott. Nat. Field Club," vol. VI, p337.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Belas Knapp Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Bisley Long Barrow [Map]
4 Bisley Barrow. Bisley Long Barrow [Map]
A long barrow was opened in 1863 a little to the south of Bisley. A short account of it appeared in the local papers at the time, but I have been unable to find it. The barrow has since been entirely destroyed.
See "Archaeologia," vol. XLII, p201.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Bisley Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Wotton under Edge, Blackquarries Hill Long Barrow [Map]
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Blackquarries Hill Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Woodchester, Bown Hill Long Barrow [Map]
Bown Hill Long Barrow [Map]. Historic England:
The monument includes a long barrow orientated approximately east-west on the crest of a hill in the Cotswolds. It is visible as a barrow mound 56m long by 22m wide and ranging between 2m high at its western end to 4.5m high at its eastern end. At the east end of the mound is a large depression measuring approximately 12m by 9m, while in the centre of the mound is a second depression about 8m wide, both of which are thought to have been due to the partial excavation of the barrow in 1863. Two parallel ditches, from which material was excavated during the construction of the barrow, lie on either side of the barrow mound to the north and south. These ditches are no longer visible at ground level, having become infilled over the years, but survive as buried features about 3m wide. The barrow was partially excavated by Dr Paine and Mr Witchell in 1863. At the east end, between dry stone wall horns, was a megalithic portal which lead straight into a rectangular burial chamber measuring 2.6m by 1.2m. The chamber contained the remains of at least six individuals, animal bones and some Neolithic pottery. Some Romano-British pottery and a coin of Germanicus (struck approximately AD19) were also recovered. The dry stone walls and wire fences which run immediately to the west and north of the mound are excluded from the scheduling, although the ground beneath them is included.
Proceedings of the Cotteswold Naturalists' Field Club Volume 5 Page 277. The largest tumulus of this district stands on Selsley Hill ; it is known as "The Toots [Map]," and has been opened in three places, but I am not aware that any record has been preserved of the results of this disturbance. The Bown Hill Tumulus [Map] (Fig. 2) was opened by the Club in May, 1863, and found to have been formed over stone chambers ; particulars of this examination are given in the " Proceedings of the Club," Yol. III., page 199. The tumulus on Minchinhampton Common, popularly known as "Whitfield's Tump [Map]," has been so thoroughly distiirbed as to render it difficult to ascertain its original form and dimensions.
5 Bown Hill Barrow. Bown Hill Long Barrow [Map]
This lies on Bown Hill, above Woodchester, three miles south-west of Stroud, and two miles north-west of Nailsworth. It is 180 feet long, its greatest width being 50 feet. Its direction is east-north‑east and west-south‑west, the highest end being towards the east-north‑east. It was opened by the Cotteswold Naturalists' Field Club in May, 1863. The interior of the barrow was constructed of angular masses of stone, heaped together without any order, amongst which were scattered blocks of considerable size. Only one chamber was found; this was formed of five large stones, two on each side and one placed transversely, measuring eight feet six inches by four feet. The remains of six skeletons were found, and several bones of cattle, teeth of the horse and ox, several boars' tusks, a small flint flake, and some pieces of rude pottery. The barrow had evidently been previously disturbed, and this fact will probably account for the presence of a brass coin of the Roman Emperor Germanicus.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Bown Hill Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Leighton, Boxwell Lodge aka West Long Barrow [Map]
Boxwell Lodge aka West Long Barrow [Map]. Historic England:
The monument includes a long barrow situated on level ground in an area of the Cotswold Hills. The barrow, known locally as West Barrow, has a mound composed of small stones; it is trapezoidal in plan and orientated east-west with maximum dimensions of 82m long, 50m wide and up to c.4m high. The mound is flanked on either side by a ditch from which material was quarried during the construction of the monument. The southern ditch has become infilled, but survives as a buried feature c.5m wide. On the northern side of the monument the ditch is visible as an earthwork 5m wide and c.0.4m deep. The barrow was partially excavated in around 1700 by Matthew Huntley who uncovered three burial chambers which he described as 'vaults arched over'. Each chamber had a separate entrance which was associated with an urn containing cremated human bones and ashes. The interior of each chamber was found to contain the remains of unburnt human skulls and long bones. The dry stone walls overlying the monument are excluded from the scheduling, although the underlying ground is included.
21 Leighterton Barrow. Leighterton aka Boxwell Lodge aka West Long Barrow [Map]
This is situated in the parish of Boxwell, six and a half miles west of Tetbury; it is locally known as "West Barrow," and was opened about the year 1700 by Matthew Huntley. It contained three vaults arched over like ovens, and at the entrance of each was found an earthen jar containing burnt human bones, but the skulls and thigh-bones were found unburnt.
See Atkyn's "History of Gloucestershire," p155.
Also Rudder's "History of Gloucestershire," p306.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Boxwell Lodge aka West Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Sheepscombe, Camp Down North Barrow [Map]
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Camp Down North Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, South-Central England, Oxfordshire, Wychwood, Churchill Plain Long Barrow [Map]
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Churchill Plain Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Coberley Long Barrow [Map]
Coberley Long Barrow [Map]. Historic England
This monument includes a long barrow situated on the east facing slopes of a ridge overlooking the confluence of two tributaries of the River Churn. The barrow survives as a rectangular mound of uneven profile which measures up to 38m long, 12m wide and 3.2m high, with its side ditches preserved as entirely buried features. Partial early excavations allegedly produced the skeleton of a small male.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Coberley Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Cold Aston Long Barrow [Map]
39 Cold Aston Long Barrow. Cold Aston Long Barrow [Map]
This is situated in the parish of Cold Aston or Aston Blank, one mile north-west of the village, and one and a half miles from Bourton-on‑the‑Water. Its length is 120 feet; greatest width 48 feet, and height about seven feet. Its direction is south-south‑east and north-north‑west, the highest portion being at the south-south‑east end. A great number of flint arrow-heads have been found at various times in the immediate vicinity.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Cold Aston Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Duntisbourne Rouse, College Plantation Barrow [Map]
12 Duntisbourne Barrow. Duntisborne aka College Plantation Barrow [Map]
There are two high circular mounds in Cherry Wood, near Duntisbourne Heath, five miles north-west of Cirencester, which have always been considered round barrows. Through the kindness of Lord Bathurst I superintended some excavations there this year (1882), and discovered that the two mounds formed the ends of a huge long barrow, having a total length of 210 feet. The central portion of the tumulus must have been removed ages back. The circumscribing wall is in a good state of preservation on the south side. The direction of the barrow is nearly east and west. Further examination will, I hope, enable me to give a fuller description of this very interesting pre-historic monument at a future time. During the late excavation one very perfectly formed flint scraper was found, and several small bones. Part of the outside wall at the west end was removed a few years back, but no interments have yet been found. There are several round barrows in the immediate neighbourhood, and Pinbury Camp is only one mile distant on the south.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. College Plantation Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Coln Rogers, Colnpen Barrow [Map]
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Colnpen Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Lower Swell, Cow Common Long Barrow [Map]
The Journal of the Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland Volume 5 1876 Pages 120 to 173. Continues Page 139 ...
Swell i. (Pl. iv.). — The first of the three barrows examined is situated in a field which has been under cultivation from 27 to 30 years, though it is still known as the "Cow Common [Map]." The other two barrows were found by us in 1874 to have the heart-shaped or "horned" eastward ends, which are so well known to us from Dr. Anderson's1 descriptions of the horned cairns of Caithness," as also from Dr. Thurnam's2 accounts of the tumuli at Uley and Belas Knap, in this very county of Gloucestershire. There is, as it appears to me, a great probability that the barrow, Swell i. , was originally constructed with the same outlines and contour as these other barrows ; but the eastward end had been much reduced in size by removal of the stones of which it was made up, to fill up an adjacent quarry, in the years 1867-1868 ; and in 1874 some indistinct traditions as to the existence in former years of curved walling at that end, were the only main specific basis—as distinct from the general likelihood arising out of its other still remaining points of resemblance to typical horned barrows—for holding that it probably had been one. Making allowances, however, for the demolitions which had taken place in the years 1867 and 1868, and, possibly enough, in years long before them, we shall not be far wrong in saying that the extreme length of the barrow from E.S.E. to W.N.W., the direction of its long axis, was from 150 to 155 feet; and that its breadth at its eastward end was 77 feet; at its highest point, a point very near to the line occupied by the chamber which, as will be seen, gives the chief interest to the barrow, 69 feet ; and at its westward end, 40 feet. The greatest height of the barrow, as at present existing, is about 5 feet. The ground occupied by the barrow falls slightly from the west eastwards.
Note 1. See Anderson, Ancient Remains of Caithness." Mem. Soc. Anth. Lond., vol. i. p. 474, 1865. Proc. Soc. Antiq. Scotland, 1866-1868.
Note 2. See Thurnam, Crania Britannica," Pl. v. Mem. Soc. Antho Lond., 1865. Archæologia," vol. xlii. p. 209.
Description of the Chambered Tumuli of Uley and Nympsfield. Nether Swell [Map]. — In other parts of the county have been explored chambered long barrows of the same type, in having small lateral chambers entered from the exterior sides instead of from a common approach by a long gallery from the eastern, or large end, through the centre of the barrow, as at Uley and Nympsfield. Of this class is a tumulus in a field in the parish of Nether Swell, called "Cow Common," in which same field are as many as nine round barrows, of a peculiar character. The eastern end of the long barrow was partially removed in 1867-8, when it was to some extent examined by the Rev. David Royce, vicar of the parish. No exact plan of it would seem to have been preserved, but, according to the recollection of the persons employed, it would appear to have been of the horned shape. It lay E.S.E. and W.N.W., and was about 150 feet long, 70 feet wide at the eastern and 10 feet at the western ends, and about 5 feet high at the highest point, which was where the sepulchral chamber was found. It was composed of limestone slabs and rubble and was surrounded by a wall, or facing, built of oolitic slates laid in horizontal courses about' 2 ft. high, but this had in some places been destroyed. The primary interments were found to have been made in, and near to, a chamber on the north side, which was explored by Mr. Eoyce, in 1867. It had a passage or entrance leading into it from the outside of the barrow, the enclosing wall being pierced and turning inwards at the place. The sides of the chamber were formed of upright slabs of stone, but the roof was destroyed before it was seen by any one acquainted with such structures. The chamber was said to be about 3 feet square and to contain three skeletons, whilst outside and to the south-west of it five other bodies were found in 18G7 and 1874, in which latter year it was examined by Canon Greenwell (age 59) and Prof. Rolleston ; but it would seem to be uncertain, according to Canon Greenwell, "whether these walls were intentionally made for the purpose of containing the interments," or were merely such as are often found in other barrows to enable the persons making the barrow to work with greater convenience and safety. Another remarkable chamber was found in this barrow in 1868, but it was destroyed before Canon Greenwell (age 59) saw it in 1874. It was of an oval form and very closely resembled a chamber met with in one of the round barrows above-mentioned near it. From the remains found in it, it would seem to be later than the time of the original construction of the barrow.1
Note 1. British Barrows, p. 513. See also Paper "On the People of the Long Barrow Period," by Prof, Kolleston.— Journal Anthropological Institute, Vol. V., p. 120.
29 Swell Barrow 1. Swell Barrow 1 [Map]
This barrow is situated in a field called "Cow Common," in the parish of lower Swell, two and a half miles from the village, and three miles from Stow-on‑the‑Wold. Its length was about 150 feet, greatest width 77 feet, and greatest height five feet; its direction is east-south‑east and west-north‑west. It is entirely composed of slabs and rubble, and is surrounded by a carefully constructed wall of Stonesfield slate; this wall was two feet three inches high on the south side. The chief chamber was on the north side, fifty-five feet from the east end, and was discovered by the Rev. David Royce in 1867. The sides of the chamber were constructed of large upright stones, one being three feet six inches by two feet four inches, the chamber itself being three feet square. It contained three skeletons, and to the south-west of it five other skeletons were found. The chamber had a passage leading to it from the surrounding wall. Another chamber was found thirty feet from the east end, measuring six feet by four feet eight inches, of an oval form; it contained bones of two adults and one infant, two flint flakes, several fragments of pottery, &c. This barrow assumed the "horned" shape at the east end. There are eight round barrows in the same field.
See "Jour. Anat. and Phys.," vol. III, p252.
Also "Jour. Anthrop. Inst.," vol. V, p120.
Also "British Barrows," p513.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Cow Common Long Barrow [Map].
Gloucestershire, 21 S.E. Parish of Lower Swell. 21 *.
Latitude 51° 56' 04*. Longitude 1° 48' 12". Height above O.D. about 620 feet.
This is WittsVNo. 29, Rolleston's "Swell," and Greenwell's 229. Witts' measurements are, length, 150 feet; greatest width, 77 feet; greatest height, 5 feet. It is oriented E.S.E. and W.N.W. He says: "It is entirely composed of slabs and rubble, and is surrounded by a carefully constructed wall of Stonesfield slate ; this wall was 2 ft. 3 ins. high on the south side. The chief chamber was on the north side, 55 feet from the east end, and was discovered by the Rev. David Royce in 1867. The sides of the chamber were constructed of large upright stones, one being 3 ft. 6 ins. by 2 ft. 4 ins., the chamber itself being 3 ft. square. It contained three skeletons, and to the S.W. of it five other skeletons were found. The chamber had a passage leading to it from the surrounding wall. Another chamber was found 30 ft. from the east end, measuring 6 ft. by 4 ft. 8 ins., of an oval form ; it contained bones of two adults and one infant, two flint flakes, several fragments of pottery, etc. This barrow assumed the 'homed' shape at the east end."
Europe, British Isles, South-Central England, Oxfordshire, Crawley Long Barrow [Map]
Archaeologia Volume 37 On the Forest of Wychwood. Tumulus near Crawley [Crawley Long Barrow [Map]]. About half-way between the high road from Witney to Burford, and the village of Crawley, on the west side of the lane leading into the village, are the remains of what was once a barrow of considerable dimensions. It is one of the class termed by antiquaries Long Barrows. A considerable portion (nearly one-half) was removed some years ago, when several skeletons were laid bare, but no relics of any kind were discovered. On measuring the remaining portion, it was found to be 107 feet long, by 83 feet wide. By permis- sion of Mr. Stratton, the tenant of the land, I employed two labourers here for one day only, with a view to ascertain, if possible, the period at which this tumulus was formed, reserving its more complete examination for some future opportunity.
We commenced by an opening on the cast side which had already been recently broken into for the purpose of obtaining stone, on which occasion several skeletons, I was informed, had been discovered lying just below the surface. After clearing a vast number of stones, which had been dislodged by the excava- tions in question, we discovered, what did not appear from the general aspect of the mound, that the tumulus stood upon a rock, and was, in fact, much shallower than was suspected, being formed almost entirely of stone. The excavations were accordingly continued towards the centre, when three skeletons were found lying east and west, two of them of individuals in the prime of life, and the third apparently that of a woman who had attained a considerable age, the molar teeth being absent, and the alveolar processes being completely closed. These skeletons were lying nearly in contact with each other. They were well protected by some of the largest stones, placed over them with great care, so that the frames of the pelvis were not crushed, the pubic bones being entire. At the waist of one of them was a small bronze buckle, less than an inch in diameter, to which some decayed substance, resembling leather, still adhered. It was probably the fastening of a girdle.a Not a vestige of any other relic was observed, nor could I learn that anything had been found previously.
I am disposed to ascribe this and similar barrows to the later Romano-British period. A careful examination of the portion which remains may possibly test the soundness of this conjecture. The interments assimilate to many others which have come under my notice in the south of England.
Note a. This object is now in the Ashmolean Museum.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Crawley Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Colne St Denis, Crickley Barrow [Map]
9 and 10 Crickley Barrows. Crickley Barrows [Map]
There are two long barrows at Crickley Barrow, two miles south of Northleach, adjoining the ancient Salt Way, but as far as I know they have never been examined or described, and, without a thorough exploration with pick-axe and shovel, it would be impossible to say anything definite about them.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Crickley Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Coberley, Crippets Barrow [Map]
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Crippets Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Eyford Barrow [Map]
Description of the Chambered Tumuli of Uley and Nympsfield. Eyford [Map]. — Not quite a mile distant from the last mentioned barrow, and which, like it, has round barrows in its immediate neighbourhood, is a Long barrow which was opened under the direction of Professor Rolleston, who has communicated a description of it to the Journal of the Anthropological Institute.2 The barrow had been previously very much disturbed and the bones were found scattered and confused. The ruins of four chambers Wei'e discovered with lateral entrances from the exterior. In one was found parts of two adult human skeletons, one belonging to a strong man and the other to an aged woman, also of two or three children from seven to eight years of age, and one of two or three years old, also the skeleton of a dog lying in situ close to the bones of the woman and scattered bones of ox and sheep. In another chamber, with the remains of a woman was found an oval bead of Kimmeridge shale, or similar substance, the perforations being wide at both ends, having evidently been made with a flint borer. This discovery is considered the most remarkable "find" in the barrow, for it is the fh-st known instance in which any personal ornament has been found in connection with a primary interment in a long barrow. "It is a remarkable circumstance," Canon Greenwell says, "and one not easy to account for, that ornaments should be almost entirely wanting in association with long barrow burials, and this becomes more difficult to explain when it is considered that in the Chambers of the Stone Age (corresponding, in that respect, with our long barrows) of Scandinavia and France, beads of various materials and shapes are by no means unfrequent. On the other hand it must be remembered that weapons, implements, and pottery are also of very rare occurrence in the same class of British burial mounds, whilst they are common in those of the countries just referred to." The type of the skulls with which the bead was found was emphatically dolicho-cephalic.1
The direction of the axis of this barrow was E,N.E., and W.S.W.
Note 1. British Barrows, p. 520.
14 Eyford Barrow. Eyford Barrow [Map]
This lies in the parish of Eyford, three miles from Stow-on‑the‑Wold. Its length is 108 feet, its greatest width being 41 feet, and greatest height three feet six inches, though it was probably much higher. Its direction is east-north‑east and west-south‑west. The interior of the barrow consisted of oolitic rubble and slabs, and it was surrounded by a wall of thin Stonefield slates. At the east end it assumed the "horned" form, the north-eastern horn being narrower and longer than the other. Four chambers were discovered, one of which contained six human skeletons and one dog's skeleton lying in situ, also scattered bones of the ox and sheep. This chamber was situated eighty feet from the east end, and measured five feet six inches by four feet. In another chamber, seven feet eight inches in length, were found the remains of ten bodies, and close in front of the neck of one of the bodies — that of a woman — was a bead or amulet, composed of kimmeridge shale or similar substance. The bead is slightly oval in outline and much flattened; the perforation has been made from both ends and is very wide, having, no doubt, been made with a flint borer. I call especial attention to this bead, as it was the first ornament ever discovered in connection with a primary interment in a long barrow; and it is a remarkable fact that the only ornament I have discovered in a long barrow is of precisely the same character (see Notgrove Barrow). Other skeletons were found and various portions of pottery.
See "British Barrows," p514.
Also "Jour. Anthrop. Inst.," vol. V, p120.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Eyford Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Eastington, Farmington Long Barrow [Map]
It is a curious fact that Five Wells Chambered Tomb [Map] is, within 0.2 of a degree of longitude, north of Stonehenge [Map] - see Five Wells Chambered Tomb and Stonehenge Alignment. Moreover, this line of longitude, give or take 500m, has the highest number of Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Monuments on it when compared to other lines of longitude. North to South:
Five Wells Chambered Tomb [Map]
Farmington Long Barrow [Map]
Monkton Fields Long Barrow [Map]
Netheravon 6 Long Barrow [Map]
40 Farmington Long Barrow. Farmington Long Barrow [Map]
This lies inside the intrenchments of Norbury Camp, in the parish of Farmington, one mile north-east of Northleach. It is 200 feet in length, 100 feet wide, and five feet high, its direction being south-east and north-west. There is a large stone lying flat on the surface which may probably belong to one of the chambers. The barrow has never been examined.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Farmington Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Longborough, Ganborough Long Barrow [Map]
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Ganborough Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Gatcombe Lodge Long Barrow [Map]
Gatcombe Lodge Long Barrow [Map]. Historic England: The monument includes a long barrow situated on level ground 400m east of Gatcombe Farm. It overlooks a valley to the south and west and is set in the Cotswold Hills. The barrow, which is sometimes known as the Gatcombe Lodge long barrow, has a mound composed of small stones, is trapezoidal in plan, and orientated north east to south west with maximum dimensions of 62m in length and 25m in width. The long barrow has a height of c.2m at the eastern end and 1.5m at the western end. Flanking the mound on each side is a ditch from which material was quarried during the construction of the monument. These have become infilled over the years, but survive as buried features c.5m wide. The long barrow was partially excavated by S Lyons in 1870 and was found to have a forecourt or recess which was flanked by extensions of the barrow mound. Within this was a 'false entrance' or blocked doorway set into the mound, but which could not have provided physical access into the monument. Within the blocking associated with the 'false entrance', a human skull, animal bones and potsherds were found. The mound was also found to have a dry stone revetment wall and this is thought to have enclosed the entire barrow mound. The revetment wall remains visible as a stoney outcrop on the southern side of the monument. In 1871 workmen discovered a burial chamber on the north eastern side of the monument about 9.75m from the false entrance. The chamber was composed of drystone walling and had five upright slabs, with an entrance defined by two additional upright slabs and a large slab as a roof; it was found to contain an inhumation burial. This chamber remains visible as a group of three large stones protruding from a deep depression on the north eastern side of the monument. This monument forms one of at least three long barrows which occur as a dispersed group in the vicinity.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Gatcombe Lodge Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Bisley, Giant's Stone Long Barrow [Map]
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Giant's Stone Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Hazleton North Long Barrow [Map]
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Hazleton North Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Hazleton South Long Barrow [Map]
16 Hasleton Barrow. Hasleton Barrow [Map]
This lies on top of the Cotteswold hills, in the parish of Hasleton, four miles north-west of Northleach, in a field known as the Barrow Ground, and close to the ancient Salt Way. Its length is 150 feet, greatest width 70 feet, and present height about five feet; but originally it must have been more than double this height. Its direction is north-west and south-east, the highest part being towards the south-east. The top of two upright stones, evidently forming sides of a chamber, are visible on the surface of the ground near the south-east end; they lie parallel to each other and ten feet apart. One stone measures on the top one foot six inches by five inches; the other, two feet by five inches; but it is impossible to say what height they are without excavation. I found several worked flakes on the surface of the barrow, and I have heard of others being found since. The barrow has evidently been much damaged by the plough, but has not, I think, ever been examined. The interior is composed of oolitic slabs and Stonesfield slate.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Hazleton South Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Duntisborne Abbas, Hoar Stone Long Barrow [Map]
Archaeologia Volume 16 Appendix. November 20, 1806. An account of a Tumulus [Hoar Stone Long Barrow [Map]], opened on an estate of Matthew Baillie, M. D. in the parish of Duntesbourne Abbots, in Gloucestershire, communicated to Samuel Lysons, Esq. Director, by the Rev. Anthony Freston, Rector of Edgeworth, in the same county.
The length of the Barrow was about forty yards, and the width thirty; it contained about eight or nine bodies of different ages; it was composed of loose quarry stones; the largest stone, at the east end, has been long known, in that County, by the name of the Hoar Stone. It is of the calcareous kind, twelve feet high, fifteen in circumference, and weighs probably about five or six tons. All that part under the dotted line was below the surface of the ground.
See Plate LV.
N° 1. South east view before it was opened. 2. The Hoar Stone.
Plate LVI. 3. The Kistvaen before it was opened. 4. The same, after it was opened.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Hoar Stone Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, South-Central England, Oxfordshire, Chipping Norton, Enstone, Hoar Stone [Map]
Archaeologia Volume 37 On the Forest of Wychwood. The Hoar Stone [Map], near Enstone. This interesting monument, which gives the name to two villages in its neighbourhood, is a ruined cromlech. It stands near the three-mile stone north of the town of Charlbury, and is now protected by a stone fence from further injury. The antiquary will require no proofs of its remote age, of which the designation Hoar Stone is the best voucher. The frequent mention of hoar stones in land-limits prior to the Norman Conquest shows that our Saxon ancestors respected these monuments and adopted them as land-marks;b and it favours the supposition that they found these ancient sepulchres already desecrated and ruined on their arrival in this country.
Note b. Vide Codex Dipl. JEvi Saxon, passim.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Hoar Stone, Enstone [Map]
Europe, British Isles, South-Central England, Oxfordshire, Steeple Barton, Hoar Stone [Map]
Archaeological Journal Volume 6 Proceedings 01 Jun 1849. BY Mr. C. Faulkner.—A curious gold ring, discovered at Barton, Oxfordshire; it is octagonal, each side being irregularly lozenge-shaped. (See woodcut.) The facets appear to have been formed by placing the gold wire, formed into a hoop, on a tool similar to what is termed a beak iron, and hammering the upper part till each side had obtained the desired shape. This is shown by the indentations made by the rough instrument, the sharp edges between each lozenge on the inner side, and the hammer marks seen on the flat surface of each side externally. Weight, 3 dwts. 16 grains. Diameter, seven-eighths of an inch. It has been supposed to be a relic of the early British age9: it was found under the foundations of a wall, not far from a cromlech [Hoar Stone, Steeple Barton [Map]], which was broken in pieces and removed from the field where it stood some years since. This destruction of a venerable memorial having become known to the landlord, he compelled his tenant to bring back the fragments, which now form a heap, surrounded by a fence. No account of this cromlech appears to have been recorded.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Hoar Stone, Steeple Barton [Map]
Paraochial History of Enstone. British And Roman Period 55 BC To AD 409. The great Roman emperor general and historian Julius Cæsar invaded Britain in the year 55 before the Christian era that is before the birth of Jesus Christ from whose birth we now reckon our years so that this is the year 1857 since He was born and is therefore called the year of our Lord or in Latin Anno Domini commonly written AD It is therefore now 1912 years since Britain was thus visited Some time however before this our country was known to the Romans by the name of Britannia but it was not discovered by them to be an island until the time when Agricola was governor and when he sailed round it The Romans continued to exercise dominion here for no less than 464 years that is from the year 55 BC till the year 409 AD It was during this period at least although very probably even before it that our most ancient monument the Enne Stan that is the Giant or Great Stone was erected for notwithstanding that that name is Saxon there can be no doubt of the monument so called being British or Romano British that is either founded in the most ancient times when Britons only knew and inhabited this island or during the period when the Romans reigned over the Britons and held them in subjection We can have little difficulty in conceiving what was the state and condition of this vicinity at that time It was like the uncleared forests of the United States of America or of Canada at this day or to come home to a nearer likeness still it was in much the same state as the yet disafforested remains of Wichwood now are. But with the exception of the surface of the earth and the single monument whence the parish now derives its name of Enstone no monument or memorial survives to tell us of the past and to point out to us where our British progenitors dwelt or lived. All that we know further is that in our immediate neighbourhood similar monuments to this have been erected and remain as the Hawk stone, or Hoar stone, at Dean the stone [Hoar Stone, Steeple Barton [Map]] at Barton and the very extensive and interesting British relics at Rollright commonly called the Rollright stones [Map]. It was at this period also that the tumuli to be found at Charlford must have been formed unless indeed they are to be regarded as of older date
History of Steeple Ashton. The etymology of the name appears to be the East town with a Steeple or Tower a Steeple or Stepull being simply a tower not necessarily attached to a church1 although at the present time the word generally designates the Spire of a Church many instances may be cited of Villages bearing the prefix of Steeple in which no spire ever existedb. The parish was probably named East from its situation in the eastern part of the ancient Hundred of Levecanole one of the divisions of the County named in the Doomsday survey or it may be in reference to its lying east of Steeple Barton a place of some importance in very early times Maiden Bower a spot in that parish well known to the foxhunter is a British earthwork the name being derived from the Celtic Maidian strong and beorgh fortress.c. Near this ancient fortress and in the same parish within a stone's throw of the turnpike road to Oxford was till the latter part of the year 1843 the ruin of a Druidical altar called the Hoar stone [Map] which originally consisted of two side pieces and a lintel as at Rollright and Stonehenge this venerable relic of a by gone race was at the time I mention broken to pieces by the farmer in occupation of the field but the fragments were collected and piled together on the spot the altar had occupied by order of the proprietor Henry Hall Esq
Note a. MS note by JH Parker Esq
Note b. See Stevens's Description of Malmesbury Abbey which is said to have had two Steeples one a Pyramid the other a Tower also Harward's Digcourse of a feareful Lightening which on Nov 17 1606 did in a very short time burne up the Spire of the Steeple of Blechingley in Surrey and at the same time melt into infinite fragments a goodly ring of bells
Note c. Warton's History of Kiddington page 71 edit 1815.
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Juniper Hill aka Edgeworth Long Barrow [Map]
13 Edgworth Barrow. Juniper Hill aka Edgeworth Long Barrow [Map]
This barrow lies three-quarters of a mile north-west of the village of Edgworth, and two miles east of Bisley. I have not heard of any excavation or exploration having been made, but I mention it here as one of the Gloucestershire long barrows.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Juniper Hill aka Edgeworth Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Bibury, Lamborough Banks aka Ablington Barrow [Map]
Description of the Chambered Tumuli of Uley and Nympsfield. Ablington [Map]. — This tumulus stands north and south, and measures 270 ft. long, 100 ft. wide in the broadest part, and 12 ft. high. It was opened in 1854 by the Rev. S. Lysons, and was found to be surrounded at the base by a double concentric range of dry walling faced only outwards. This, at the broad end, makes the usual double curve inwards, and exactly at the point where <| the two walls meet was found a large upright flat oval stone, G feet high, 5 feet wide, and 3 inches thick, standing upon a rough perforated oolitic stone, such as is often found on the Cotteswolds (see fig. 15) Beneath the soil were found in several places wood ashes, and several pebbles of a geological character different from the stone of the district, which Mr. Fosbroke considered were sling-stones, stones of which character, he says, are often found upon the Cotteswolds.
Only one interment was discovered in this barrow, which was deposited in a grave formed of rough stones at the small end of the barrow, but both the grave and the skeleton found therein had been much damaged by the roots of the trees growing on the barrow. This barrow does not seem to have been adequately explored.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Lamborough Banks aka Ablington Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Minchinhampton, Lechmore Long Barrow [Map]
Lechmore Long Barrow [Map]. Historic England
The monument includes a long barrow situated on a ridge at the head of a valley of a tributary to the Nailsworth Stream which first runs into the Ledgemore Pond. Known locally also as 'Ledgemore Long Barrow' it survives as an elongated roughly rectangular mound aligned ESE to WNW and measuring up to 24.3m long, 12.1m wide and 1.8m high with the side ditches preserved as buried features. Partial excavations in 1812 revealed a single stone lined chamber but this had been dismantled by 1870. Further large in-situ stones are visible within the mound. Further archaeological remains in the immediate vicinity are the subject of a separate scheduling.
Proceedings of the Cotteswold Naturalists' Field Club Volume 5 Page 277. The Lechmore Tumulus [Map] contained so recently as 1812 one chamber, but the stones of which it was constructed have since been removed for building material, and the mound itself is now reduced in size year by year by the operation of the plough.
20 Lechmore Barrow. Lechmore Long Barrow [Map]
This lies one and a half miles south of Nailsworth. It is 120 feet long, 65 feet wide, and six feet high; its direction is east and west, the highest part being towards the east. It has been much disturbed at various times. In 1812 one chamber still remained, but the stones of which it was constructed have since been removed for building material, and the mound itself is now reduced in size year by year by operation of the plough.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Lechmore Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Pegglesworth, Lineover Long Barrow [Map]
Lineover Long Barrow [Map]. Historic England
The monument includes a long barrow situated immediately below a crest on the north eastern edge of the Cotswolds, on level ground which falls sharply away to the north. The barrow mound, which is orientated east-west, has been reduced by cultivation. The western part survives as a slight rise, 0.3m high, in the ploughsoil but reaches a maximum height of 1.8m, at the eastern end. A circular depression in this end of the mound is probably the result of an unrecorded antiquarian excavation. Although no longer visible on the surface, side ditches will flank either side of the mound and will survive as buried features 3m wide.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Lineover Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Eastington, Lodge Park Barrow [Map]
23 Lodge Park Barrow. Lodge Park Barrow [Map]
There is a fine long barrow in Sherborne Lodge Park, two miles south-east of Northleach; its length is about 150 feet, greatest width 70 feet. Some of the stones forming the chambers are visible on the surface. Its direction is south-east and north-west, the highest portion lying towards the south-east. No examination has ever been made of the mound.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Lodge Park Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Lower Swell Barrow [Map]
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Lower Swell Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, South-Central England, Oxfordshire, Lyneham Long Barrow [Map]
The Natural History of Oxfordshire Chapter 10. 80 And so again for the Fortification commonly called Round castle West of Begbrook Church but in the Parish of Bladen and Lineham Barrow [Map]. (between which and Pudlicot a Seat of the ancient Family of the Lacy's there is Passage under Ground down to the River) I can s little of them but in general tis most probable they were made by the Danes (they being both round) but upon what particular Occasion, I could no where find.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Lyneham Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Norn's Tump aka Avening Long Barrow [Map]
Norn's Tump aka Avening Long Barrow [Map]. Historic England 1008196
The monument includes a chambered long barrow situated on a plateau in the area of the Cotswold Hills with views over the Avening Valley to the south, gently sloping land to the north and the adjacent ridge to the south-east. The barrow, which is known as Norn's Tump, has a mound trapezoidal in plan and orientated east-west; it has dimensions of 52m from east to west and 25m from north to south. The mound is composed of small stones and has a maximum height near to the centre of 2.5m. An early illustration of the barrow suggests that it had two side chambers, both of which were visible in 1911. There are two large depressions on the southern side of the barrow's mound which could mark the position of these chambers. The mound is flanked on each side by a ditch from which material was quarried during the construction of the monument. These have become infilled over the years, but will survive as buried features c.5m wide. Excluded from the scheduling are all hedges, dry-stone walling and fence posts relating to the land boundaries, although the ground beneath these features is included.
Archaeologia Volume 16 Appendix. November 20, 1806. The Rev. W. H. Thornbury, in two letters addressed to the Rev. John Brand, M. A. Secretary, and William Bray, Esq. Treasurer of the Society, sent an account of a Barrow [Norn's Tump aka Avening Long Barrow [Map]], opened in the parish of Avening, in Gloucestershire, whose length, from east to west, was fifty-five yards, the greatest breadth nineteen two-thirds, and the smallest twelve yards and one-third; having within it two small chambers, in one of which were found eight, and in the other three skeletons, but no celts or other remains, except some bones of animals, which were buried in the Tumulus at C. Pl. LVII.
Mr. Fosbrook, F. A. S. in a letter addressed to the Society, observes, that as none of the characteristic marks of its being Danish, Saxon, or Roman exist, it may possibly be British, and have been formed before the Roman invasion.
Proceedings of the Cotteswold Naturalists' Field Club Volume 5 Page 277. The Avening Tumulus [Map] (No. 6) was opened in the year 1809 by the Rev. N. Thornbuky, Rector of Avening; three stone chambers were taken out, removed to a grove in the rectory garden, and there carefully set up in the forms and relative positions they had occupied in the tumulus, so that even in their present state they afford good examples of such sepulchral chambers. The largest is 7 feet long, 7 feet wide, and 4 feet high, and has one side formed by two stones so placed as to give access to the chamber.
Description of the Chambered Tumuli of Uley and Nympsfield. Avening [Map]. — The tumulus at Avening was opened in 1806 by the Rev. W. H. Thornbury, who communicated the result to the Society of Antiquaries.1 The length of this barrow, from east to west, was 165 ft., the greatest breadth was 59 ft., and the smallest 37 ft. Two chambers were found, in one of which were discovered eight, and in the other three, skeletons. No implements, or other remains, were found, except some bones of animals. As regards the crania no information is given. These matters were not then so closely attended to as at present. It had a tolmen entrance, similar to that above described (see fig. 14), and Fosbroke, who was present at the opening, observes: "the structure was obviously adapted to the object of successive interments j the practice having evidently been to dig away the soil which filled the approach, to insert the body in the vault, and cover all up as before.2
Note 1. Archæol. Vol. XVI , p. 362.
Note 2. Encycl. Antiq , 1843, pp. 544, 547.
2 Avening Barrow. Avening Barrow [Map]
This lies half a mile to the east of the village of Avening, and two and a half miles from Nailsworth. It is 160 feet long, its greatest width being 60 feet, and greatest height 6 feet. Its direction is east and west, the highest portion of the barrow being at the east end. It was opened in the year 1809 by the Rev. N. Thornbury, Rector of Avening. Three stone chambers were taken out and removed to a grove in the rectory garden, where they are carefully preserved.
See "Archaeologia," vol. XVI, p362.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Norn's Tump aka Avening Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Notgrove Long Barrow [Map]
Notgrove Long Barrow [Map] is a Severn Cotswolds Tomb located on the crest of a ridge in the Cotswold Hills. The long barrow mound was trapezoidal in plan and orientated east-west.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Notgrove Long Barrow [Map]
Finds Near Stow on the Wold. Westfield Barrow [Note. Probably Notgrove Long Barrow [Map]]. — Sept. 10th, 1876. Tuesday — The excavators of the Banbury and Cheltenham Railroad reached the fine round tumulus in the centre of a large field near to the station, on the Bourton side. It was of the average dimensions, 80 feet in diameter. It was composed of fine mould, although raised on the brashy surface of these Wolds. First, there appeared a kind of slight roofing of slates carried up about one-third of the slope of the Barrow. On the east and north-east side, there was a considerable stratum, some 6 inches thick, of charcoal and decomposed animal matter, intermingled with tooth of horse, tusk of boar, and jaw of dog. This dark lower stratum seemed more or less co-extensive with the base of the tumulus. But, over and above this, the superincumbent earth was singularly and regularly striated with curved lines, or bands, of charcoal to the very surface. The following Friday revealed the desired object. The pick, in pursuing its onward career, struck on loose stones amongst the mould-harbingers of this "find." All carefully cleared off, there came to view a bee-hive-like capping of stones, in size about 2ft. by 10 in., but tapering off — these had sunk in at the apex, from smaller filling-stones having given way. These somewhat spiral coverers removed, all became manifest, viz: a cist, in the rough 4 ft. square, each side facing the cardinal points — two uprights east, two north, two west, and five south (PL X.). In the centre of the chamber, on a floor of carefully laid slates, was deposited a small heap of decomposed matter with small broken bones above it. There were two portions of skulls, perhaps of a mother and her child. To the west of this little heap, a small triangular bronze instrument, much corroded, perforated at the base with two holes. This instrument was sent to Dr. Rolleston, and is probably in the Oxford Museum. This burial was, of course, after cremation. These scanty remains were committed to this cist, erected on the very site of the burning. The charcoal from the pyre seems to have been scattered over the mould as they heaped it up, at intervals. Two Roman bodies were found some 50 yards to the east, edged round with stones, the head and feet covered with planks. Many sherds were scattered about — one, a goodly piece of the white Roman flint-roughed mortar. Here, then, are cremation and inhumation, side by side, as elsewhere in this district — not contemporaneous, judging from the bronze instrument and the cist itself. Yet there were fragments of Roman-like pottery in the barrow. In this discovery the excavators displayed great interest. The archaeological world owes a debt of gratitude to Mr. Knox, the engineer, for offering every facility, and for drawings which perpetuate what the Banbury and Cheltenham Railway at once revealed and obliterated. The stones of this cist were conveyed to Copse Hill, and set up there on the site of another burial ground: but not after their original position or arrangement. It may here be noticed that the ancient name of Westfield was Caldecot. Query: Is there any connexion between the old, and not uncommon, name and these interments?
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Nympsfield Long Barrow [Map]
2800BC. Nympsfield Long Barrow [Map] is a chambered tomb of the Severn Cotswolds type.
In 1862 Buckman and the Cotteswold Naturalist's Field Club excavated the site.
In 1937 by E. M. Clifford excavated the site.
Nympsfield. Notes on an Ancient British Tumulus at Nympsfield [Map], opened by the Cotteswold Club. By James Buckman, F.G.S., F.L.S., F.S.A., &c., Professor of Botany and Geology.
Nympsfield Skulls. Report on the Skulls from the Tumulus at Nympsfield [Map]. By John Thurnam (age 54), M.D., F.S.A.
Description of the Chambered Tumuli of Uley and Nympsfield. Description Of The Chambered Tumuli Of Uley [Map] and Nympsfield [Map], Visited by the Society on 22nd July, 1880, with remarks on other Tumuli in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Somersetshire. By Sir John Maclean, F.S.A., Vice-President of the Royal Archaeological Institute, Hon. Member of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, &c.
25 Nympsfield Barrow. Nympsfield Long Barrow [Map]
This is situated on the escarpment of the Cotteswold Hills, in the parish of Nympsfield, on an eminence known as Crawley Hill, half a mile north of the barrow at Uley, and two miles north-east of Dursley. It was examined by the Cotteswold Field Club in 1862. Its length was 120 feet, and greatest breadth 85 feet; its direction was east and west, the highest part being towards the east. Twenty-four upright stones were discovered forming a central passage, with a double set of cruciform chambers on either side almost identical in dimensions to those at Uley and Notgrove; in one of these was partitioned off a smaller chamber or cistern, probably for the remains of an infant found therein. In some parts the spaces between the upright stones were filled up with dry walling. The remains of sixteen human skeletons were found, also some bones of the ox, hog, dog, and birds, a few fragments of pottery, and some flint flakes. All the skulls were of pronounced dolicho-cephalic type.
See "Journal Anthrop. Soc.," vol. III, p66.
Also "Proceedings Cott. Nat. Field Club," vol. III, p184.
Also "Transactions Bristol and Glou. Archae. Soc.," vol. V, p95.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Nympsfield Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Herefordshire, St Margaret's, Park Wood Long Barrow [Map]
Archaeological Journal Volume 11 Proceedings. Mr. Birch communicated further notices which he had received from Mr. Jenkins, of Hereford, relating to ancient remains in the neighbourhood of St. Margaret's Park and the cruciform earth-work already noticed in this Journal. (See vol. x. p. 358.) With permission of the proprietor excavations had been made in that singular embankment, at three different places, but without making any discovery: it has also been cleared of the brush-wood which encumbered it, and may now be fully examined. Not far distant may be noticed several basins or cavities of considerable size, supposed to have been possibly the sites of ancient habitations, and in one of these hollows some ancient pottery had been found, which, it is hoped, may be obtained for examination, as this might supply a clue to the probable date of these works. It was stated that a cross of metal had been found in the Park and sent to London. About 250 yards N.E. of the cruciform embankment in St. Margaret's Park there is a flat horizontal slab of limestone [Park Wood Long Barrow [Map]], like the upper stone of a cromlech. It is of an irregularly oval form, measuring about 27 feet 6 inches by 9 feet 6 inches; average thickness, 2 feet 6 inches in the direction of the longer diameter, being north and south. This stone lies on the declivity of the wooded hill, its face on the western side being level with the adjacent surface of the ground, and on this side there is a trench, 2 feet wide, and 2½ feet deep, which appears to have been at one time much deeper, and to have been filled up by soil brought down by the rain into it. On the east side, and partly on the north, the ground slopes from it, and a cavity appears under the slab. Half a century ago, as stated by an old man in the neighbourhood, it stood wholly free from the ground, resting on certain upright stones. There is still at the west end of the slab, but now at a slight distance from it, an upright stone, flat at top, which may have originally been one of those on which it was supported. It seems probable that these may be the remains of a fallen cromlech. About half a mile south of the cross-shaped mound and cavities above mentioned several objects of bronze have been found in ploughing, of a type hitherto, as it is believed, un noticed. They may have been fixed on the ends of spear-shafts, to serve the purpose of a ferrule. ( See woodcut, half length of original, ) The length of this object is 5 inches, the socket within tapers to a point 11 inch from the extremity.
Near St. Margaret's Church, about 500 yards west, and three quarters of a mile from the cross earthwork, the head-stone here represented (see woodcut) is to be seen in the fence of a tillage-field, under an aged yew tree, which leans, through the force of prevalent winds, in the same direc tion as the grave-slab at its foot. The dimensions are 4 feet by 17 inches. Tradition affirms that a lady was there buried, who came from London infected with the plague and died here. Another tale is, that seven persons were there interred at some remote period.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Park Wood Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Chedworth, Pinkwell Long Barrow [Map]
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Pinkwell Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Upper Swell, Pole's Wood East Barrow [Map]
31 Swell Barrow 3. Swell Barrow 3 aka Pole's Wood East Barrow [Map]
This is in the parish of Upper Swell, half a mile west-south‑west of the village, and the same distance north of Lower Swell. The extreme length was 120 feet, and extreme width 40 feet; its direction was north-north‑east and south-south‑west, its horned end being at the north-north‑east end; its greatest height was five feet. It was surrounded by a wall which measured four feet in height at the north end. The principal interment was in a trench about twenty-eight feet long, six feet four inches wide, and two feet deep, and this was sunk below the original surface of the ground, similar to the trench described under the "West Tump." In this trench-chamber were found nineteen skeletons, also bones of the roe deer, red deer, ox, wild board, goat, pig, &c., bone implements, one vessel of coarse pottery, and a considerable number of worked flints. Three Saxon skeletons were found near the surface of the barrow.
See "Jour. Anthrop. Inst.," vol. V, p120.
Also "British Barrows," p524.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Pole's Wood East Barrow [Map]
Finds Near Stow on the Wold. Upper Swell Barrows. — [Pole's Wood East Barrow [Map] or Pole's Wood West Barrow [Map]] Had the programme been adhered to, the road from Upper to Nether Swell would have taken our party under the two horned barrows, described in "British Barrows," which, it was hoped, the Society would have inspected. A detail or two of "finds," subsequent, and too late for insertion in the above work, may be worth recording, viz: secondary Saxon interment, on that favourite spot, the horned end of Long Barrows. Two Saxons were interred, after their wont, in pure earth, on a barrow of sheer stones. No 1, a young man, arms bent ; left, on breast ; right, on stomach — clavicle, scapula, tibia, fibula wanting ; only half of right femur; under right pelvis, a small iron knife ; spear on right side. The bones were "mashed" by heavy stones over them. No. 2, spear-head, like that of No. 1, only horizontal over head ; left arm down by side ; a large knife below. This skeleton more perfect, was that of a strong tall man ; yet tibia, fibula, feet and finger bones were not found with the body ; but bones that might have belonged to it were found on the top of the barrow, lower down. The bones of both were, in part, decayed and weatherworn. Both lay on their backs in line with the harrow, a foot to 18 inches below the surface and 17 ft. from the curve in the horns.
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Upper Swell, Pole's Wood South Barrow [Map]
30 Swell Barrow 2. Swell Barrow 2 aka Pole's Wood South [Map]
This is in the parish of Upper Swell, half a mile from the village, and one and a half miles from Stow-on‑the‑Wold. Its length was 173 feet, its greatest width 57 feet, and greatest height eight feet six inches; its direction was east by north and west by south, the highest portion lying towards the east. Like the others in this neighbourhood it is composed of oolitic rubble and slabs, and is surrounded by a wall, which at the east end reached to a height of five feet, and here it assumed the "horned" shape. Only one chamber was found in the whole of this mound; this was twenty-four feet from the west end, and on the north side of the barrow; it had a passage leading to it similar to the last. The chamber was seven feet long, four feet wide, and three feet eight inches high. At least nine skeletons were found here, together with bones of the goat or sheep, ox, pig, and two pieces of pottery. In the passage were found three other skeletons. Near the surface of the barrow three bodies were discovered, evidently Saxons, as proved by the articles found with them, viz., two bronze buckles, an iron knife, and an amber bead.
See "Jour. Anthrop. Inst.," vol. V, p120.
Also "British Barrows," p521.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Pole's Wood South Barrow [Map]
Finds Near Stow on the Wold. Barrow 2 [Pole's Wood South Barrow [Map]] — seen at times, by those gifted with second sight, swathed in unearthly flame. On its surface, at the horned end, with her head south, broken, and her bones displaced, lay a lady — between her knees, a small iron knife ; below her breast, an amber bead, whilst two circular cabled fibulae fastened her shroud, one on each shoulder.
But, "place aux dames !" as Dr. Rolleston exclaimed, on further removal of the soil, the remains of other bodies appeared. The frame of a man, lying north-east by south-west, had been displaced to receive the lady's body. Skulls and bones of two infants were found. A Saxon family, prematurely cut ofi", would seem to have been committed to this particular spot, on the, even then, revered and ancient cairn. A singular circumstance attending this "find," was the arrival of a telegram, at a British barrow, summoning Dr. Rolleston, from the grave of the Saxon lady, to the sick bed of his sister. Progress indeed!
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Upper Swell, Pole's Wood West Barrow [Map]
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Pole's Wood West Barrow [Map]
Finds Near Stow on the Wold. Upper Swell Barrows. — [Pole's Wood East Barrow [Map] or Pole's Wood West Barrow [Map]] Had the programme been adhered to, the road from Upper to Nether Swell would have taken our party under the two horned barrows, described in "British Barrows," which, it was hoped, the Society would have inspected. A detail or two of "finds," subsequent, and too late for insertion in the above work, may be worth recording, viz: secondary Saxon interment, on that favourite spot, the horned end of Long Barrows. Two Saxons were interred, after their wont, in pure earth, on a barrow of sheer stones. No 1, a young man, arms bent ; left, on breast ; right, on stomach — clavicle, scapula, tibia, fibula wanting ; only half of right femur; under right pelvis, a small iron knife ; spear on right side. The bones were "mashed" by heavy stones over them. No. 2, spear-head, like that of No. 1, only horizontal over head ; left arm down by side ; a large knife below. This skeleton more perfect, was that of a strong tall man ; yet tibia, fibula, feet and finger bones were not found with the body ; but bones that might have belonged to it were found on the top of the barrow, lower down. The bones of both were, in part, decayed and weatherworn. Both lay on their backs in line with the harrow, a foot to 18 inches below the surface and 17 ft. from the curve in the horns.
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Cirencester, Quern's Barrow [Map]
8 Cirencester Barrow. Cirencester aka Quern's Barrow [Map]
There is a long barrow in the "Querns" field, close to the Cirencester Railway Station, on the south-west of the town; its length is about 180 feet. It was opened thirty years ago by Messrs. Newmarch and Buckman, and is mentioned by them in their "Remains of Roman Art in Cirencester." It is there suggested that the word "querns" is derived from "cairn," or burial place. The Roman amphitheatre lies a little to the south-east of the barrow. Several skeletons were found arranged east and west, but it seems they were in a very fragmentary state, none of them being in a condition to be capable of measurement. The explorations consisted simply of two transverse cuts through the mound, so that it is impossible to say what may yet be found.
See Buckman's "Corinium" p12.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Quern's Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Randwick Barrow [Map]
26 Randwick Barrow. Randwick Barrow [Map]
This lies on the top of Randwick Hill, a quarter of a mile from the village of Randwick, and two miles north-west of Stroud; it is 150 feet long, its greatest width being 86 feet, and greatest height 13 feet; its direction is east and west, the highest part being towards the east. It is composed of oolitic rubble and slabs, and is enclosed by a well-built wall formed of thin stones; this wall is exposed in two places on the west side, where a portion of the barrow has been destroyed by quarrying operations. The stones of the interior are for the most part laid at an angle of 45 degrees, overlapping one another. At the east end it appears to have two well-developed "horns." On visiting the barrow in March, 1881, I found a portion of a human tibia, much stained with manganic oxide and black fungus. There are two round barrows within a few hundred yards, and some earthworks cutting off the neck of the hill, thus forming a camping ground. The three barrows are within the defended area.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Randwick Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, South-Central England, Oxfordshire, Wychwood, Slatepits Copse Long Barrow [Map]
Archaeologia Volume 37 On the Forest of Wychwood. There are other barrows within the forest, which, it is to be hoped, may be explored in the course of the next summer by some person accustomed to such researches. That on Lychale Plain has been assailed. The situation of the rest are indicated on the map, with the exception of a large stone-chambered tumulus at Slate Pits [Map]. This last, however, was plundered by one of the keepers, a few years since.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Slatepits Copse Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Hawkesbury Upton, Starveall Long Barrow [Map]
Starveall Long Barrow [Map]. Historic England 10024734
The monument includes a long barrow, situated on the upper north facing slopes of a ridge, overlooking the head of a valley of a tributary to the Little Avon River. The long barrow survives as a roughly rectangular mound aligned north to south which measures approximately 23m long and up to 7.5m wide. It stands from 1.7m up to 2m high with the side ditches preserved as entirely buried features. At one time it was surrounded by a retaining wal,l although there is now little surviving trace of this feature. Further archaeological remains survive in the vicinity some of which are the subject of a separate schedulings.
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Bagpath, Symond's Hall Long Barrow [Map]
Symond's Hall Long Barrow [Map]. Historic England 1002113
The monument includes a long cairn situated on the summit of a prominent Cotswold ridge between the heads of the valleys of the Marlees Brook and a tributary to the Little Avon River and close to the source of the former. The long cairn survives as a stony rectangular mound aligned from north east to south west measuring up to 82m long, 34m wide and 1.7m high with its side ditches preserved as buried features. A central hollow in the top of the mound is the result of partial excavation in c.1780.
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Avening, The Tingle Stone [Map]
The Tingle Stone [Map]. Historic England:
The monument includes a long barrow known as the Tingle Stone situated in the Cotswold Hills below the crest of a ridge overlooking a valley to the south. The barrow has a mound composed of small stones orientated north-south with maximum dimensions of 40m in length, 20m in width and a maximum height of c.2m. This is flanked on each side by a ditch from which material was quarried during the construction of the monument. These have become infilled over the years, but survive as buried features c.5m wide. The site is named after the standing stone which is situated towards the northern end of the monument. This stone is a block of oolitic limestone orientated north-south with a maximum height of 1.5m above ground level and dimensions of 0.6m by 0.3m. There are reports of coins having been recovered from the site of the barrow prior to 1789, although there are no records of an excavation. The long barrow represents one of at least three long barrows which occur as a dispersed group in the vicinity.
Proceedings of the Cotteswold Naturalists' Field Club Volume 5 Page 277. Near Gatcombe Park there is another tumulus (No. 6 of the foregoing table) [The Tingle Stone [Map]] which is interesting as forming in several respects an exception to the other oval tumuli of the district. It does not occupy, as the others do, the highest level of its neighbourhood, for, although placed on a slight knoll, it is overlooked from rising ground on its eastern side. In its direction also it is exceptional, being placed due N. and S., the broadest part being at about one-third of the entire length from the north end of the mound. It is also the only example in the district of a crowned burrow, — on the broadest part stands a large stone, 6 feet in height, which bears the name of "Tingle Stone [Map]."
33 Tinglestone Barrow. Tinglestone Barrow [Map]
This lies near Gatcombe Park, half a mile north of the village of Avening, and one and a half miles from Minchinhampton. It is 130 feet long, 70 feet wide, and six feet high; its direction is north and south, the highest part being towards the north. It does not occupy, as the others do, the highest ground in the locality, for although it stands on a slight knoll it is overlooked from rising ground on its eastern side. It is also peculiar as being a crowned barrow. On the broadest portion of the mound stands a large stone six feet in height, which bears the name of the "Tingle Stone."
See "Proceedings Cott. Nat. Field Club," vol. V, p280.
Also Bigland's "Gloucestershire," p92.
Also "Flint Chips," p494.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. The Tingle Stone [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Selsey Common, The Toots Long Barrow [Map]
The Toots Long Barrow [Map]. Historic England 1002131
The monument includes a long barrow situated on the north western summit of an extremely prominent ridge forming the watershed between numerous tributaries to the Nailsworth Stream and River Frome. The long barrow survives as a roughly rectangular mound with an undulating profile which measures up to 73.1m long, 27.4m wide and 3.5m high. Aligned ENE to WSW it has been the subject of numerous partial early excavations leaving a profile resembling two smaller mounds and at least one excavation in 1880 produced part of a stone built chamber and an interment.
Proceedings of the Cotteswold Naturalists' Field Club Volume 5 Page 277. The largest tumulus of this district stands on Selsley Hill ; it is known as "The Toots [Map]," and has been opened in three places, but I am not aware that any record has been preserved of the results of this disturbance. The Bown Hill Tumulus [Map] (Fig. 2) was opened by the Club in May, 1863, and found to have been formed over stone chambers ; particulars of this examination are given in the " Proceedings of the Club," Yol. III., page 199. The tumulus on Minchinhampton Common, popularly known as "Whitfield's Tump [Map]," has been so thoroughly distiirbed as to render it difficult to ascertain its original form and dimensions.
28 Selsley Hill Barrow. Selsey Hill aka The Toots Barrow [Map]
This barrow is generally known as "The Toots," and is situated high up on Selsley Hill, two miles south-west of Stroud. Its length is 210 feet, its greatest width 90 feet, and height 11 feet; its direction is east-north‑east and west-south‑west, the highest part lying towards the east-north‑east. From these dimensions it will be seen that this is one of the largest long barrows in Gloucestershire. It has been opened in three places, but, unfortunately, no record has been preserved of the results of these excavations.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. The Toots Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Bisley, Througham Long Barrow [Map]
32 Througham Barrow. Througham Long Barrow [Map]
This barrow lies in Througham Field, one mile north of the village of Bisley. It is 100 feet long, its greatest width being 50 feet, and height five feet; its direction is east and west, the highest portion being towards the east. The mound was cut in two about fifty years ago to make room for a cottage and some pigstyes; the latter now occupy the centre of the barrow! During the excavation one human skeleton was found. Probably this is the only instance in the county of a prehistoric burial place being turned into a pigstye!
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Througham Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Uley Barrow aka Hetty Pegler's Tump [Map]
3000BC or before. Uley Barrow aka Hetty Pegler's Tump [Map] is a Severn-Cotswolds Tomb with a transepted gallery grave with a stone-built central passage with two chambers on each side and another at the end.
John Thurnam 1854. Description Of A Chambered Tumulus, Near Uley [Uley Barrow aka Hetty Pegler's Tump [Map]], Gloucestershire by John Thurnam (age 43). 1854.
Llewellynn Jewitt 1870. Another extremely important mound of this description is the one at Uley, in Gloucestershire [Map], of which an able account has been written by Dr. Thurnham.1 The mound is about 120 feet in length, 85 feet in its greatest breadth, and about 10 feet in height. It is higher and broader at its east end than elsewhere. The entrance at the east end is a trilithon, formed by a large flat stone upwards of eight feet in length, and four and a half in depth, and supported by two upright stones which face each other, so as to leave a space of about two and a half feet between the lower edge of the large stone and the natural ground. Entering this, a gallery appears, running from east to west, about twenty-two feet in length, four and a half in average width, and five in height; the sides formed of large slabs of stone, set edgeways, the spaces between being filled in with smaller stones. The roof is formed, as usual, of flat slabs, laid across and resting on the side-slabs. There are two smaller chambers on one side, and there is evidence of two others having existed on the other side. Several skeletons were found in this fine tumulus when it was opened, many years ago.
Description of the Chambered Tumuli of Uley and Nympsfield. Description Of The Chambered Tumuli Of Uley [Map] and Nympsfield [Map], Visited by the Society on 22nd July, 1880, with remarks on other Tumuli in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Somersetshire. By Sir John Maclean, F.S.A., Vice-President of the Royal Archaeological Institute, Hon. Member of the Royal Institution of Cornwall, &c.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Uley Barrow aka Hetty Pegler's Tump [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Edgeworth, Westwood Long Barrow [Map]
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Westwood Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, South-Central England, Oxfordshire, Little Rollright, Whispering Knights Burial Chamber [Map]
The Natural History of Oxfordshire Chapter 10. 81 Beside the Circles of Earth cast up by the Danes there are others of Stone in many places of this Nation and particularly one here in the very Bounds of OxfordShire near Chipping norton in the Parish of Little Rollwright the Stones [Rollright Stones [Map]] being placed in Manner and Form and now remain as exactly engraven Tab 15 Fig 2222 in a Round of twixt 30 and 40 Paces over the tallest of them all which may be a Scale for the rest being about seven Foot high North of these about a Bolts shoot off on the other side the Hedge in the County of Warwick stands one singly alone upwards of nine Foot high in Form as described Fig 1 and Eastward five others as in Fig 3 about two Furlongs off the highest of them all about nine Foot also meeting formerly at the Top (as drawn by Mr Camden) with their tapering Ends almost in Shape of a Wedge since whose time there are two of them fallen down from the rest of which ancient Monument or what ever else it be he gives us in brief this following account.
82 Not far from Burford (he should have said Chipping Norton for Burford cannot be less than 7 or 8 Miles from it) upon the very Border of Oxfordshire is an ancient Monument to wit certain huge Stones placed in a Circle the common People call them Rollrich stones and dream they were sometimes Men by a miraculous Metamorphosis turned into hard Stones The highest of them all which without the Circle looketh into the Earth they call the King because he should have been King of England (forfooth) if he had once feen Long Compton a little Town lying beneath and which one may see if he go fome few Paces forward.
83 Other five standing [Whispering Knights Burial Chamber [Map]] on the other side touching as it were one another they imagine to have been Knights mounted on Horseback and the rest of the Army. These would I verily think says he to have been the Monument of some Victory and happily errected by Rollo the Dane who afterwards conquer'd Normandy; for what time he with his Danes troubled England with Depredations we read that the Danes joined Battle with the English at Hochnorton a place for no one thing more famous in old time than for the woful Slaughter of the English in that foughten Field under the Reign of King Edward the elder.
84 That this Monument might be erected by Rollo the Dane or rather Norwegian perhaps may be true but by no means about the time of Edward the elders for though it be true enough that he troubled England with Depredations yet that he made them in the Days of King Alfred I think all the ancient Historians agree, An 897 according to Florilegus but according to Abbot Bromton a much better Author in the Year 875 near 40 Years before that Slaughter of the English in King Edward's Days as will plainly appear upon Comparison of this with the 75 of the same Chapter.
Avebury by William Stukeley. 7. Mr. Camden writes further concerning our antiquity, that "the country people have a fond tradition, that they were once men, turned into stones. The highest of all, which lies out of the ring, they call the king [Map]. Five larger stones [Map], which are at some distance from the circle, set close together, they pretend were knights, the ring were common soldiers." This story the country people, for some miles round, are very fond of, and take it very ill if any one doubts of it; nay, they are in danger of being stoned for their unbelief. They have likewise rhymes and sayings relating thereto. Suchlike reports are to be met with in other like works, our Druid temples. They savour of the most ancient and heroic times. Like Perseus, turning men into stones; like Cadmus, producing men from serpents' teeth; like Deucalion, by throwing stones over his head, and such like, which we shall have occasion to mention again, chap. XIV.
Avebury by William Stukeley. 1724. Not far from the Druid's barrow I saw a square work, such as I call Druids' courts or houses. Such near Stonehenge and Abury. 'Tis a place 100 cubits square, double-ditched. The earth of the ditches is thrown inward between the ditches, so as to a raise a terrace, going quite round. The ditches are too inconsiderable to be made for defence. Within are seemingly remains of stone walls. 'Tis within sight of the temple, and has a fine prospect all around, being seated on the highest part of the ridge. A little further is a small round barrow, with stone-work at the east end, like that before spoken of near Rowldrich; a dry stone wall or fence running quite over it, across the heath.
Return we nearer to the temple, and we see 300 paces directly east from it in the same field, a remarkable monument [Whispering Knights Burial Chamber [Map]?] much taken notice of; 'tis what the old Britons call a Kist vaen or stone chest; I mean the Welsh, the descendants of those invaders from the continent, Belgæ, Gauls and Cimbrians, who drove away the aboriginal inhabitants, that made the works we are treating of, still northward. Hence they gave them these names from appearances; as Rowldrich, the wheel or circle of the Druids; as Stonehenge they called choir gaur, the giants' dance; as our saxon ancestors called it Stonehenge, the hanging-stones, or stone-gallows. Every succession of inhabitants being still further removed from a true notion and knowledge of the things.
Our Kist vaen is represented in plates VI. and VII. One shews the foreside, the other the backside; so that there needs but little description of it. 'Tis composed of six stones, one broader for the back-part, two and two narrower for the sides, set square to the former; and above all, as a cover, a still larger. The opening is full west, to the temple, or Rowldrich. It stands on a round tumulus, and has a fine prospect south-westward down the valley, where the head of the river Evenlode runs. I persuade myself this was merely monumental, erected over the grave of some great person there buried; most probably the king of the country, when this temple was built. And if there was any use of the building, it might possibly be some way accommodated to some anniversary commemoration of the deceased, by feasts, games, exercises, or the like, as we read in the classic poets, who describe customs ancienter than their own times. It is akin to that Kist vaen in Cornwall, which I have drawn in plate XXXVII.
Table VI.
Table VII. View of the Kistvaen of Rowldrich from the Southwest.
Table XXXVII. Kist vaen In Cornwal, In Cornwal, In Monkton field [Map] by Abury
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Whispering Knights Burial Chamber [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Minchinhampton, Whitefield's Tump Long Barrow [Map]
Chapter XIX Minchinhampton Common. George Whitefield was born at Gloucester, December 16th, 1714, the last year of the reign of Queen Anne. He was the youngest son of his father, who kept the Bell Inn at Gloucester, and who died when George was only two years old. He was educated at the College, and Crypt Grammar Schools, and between the years of 12 and 15 he made great progress in the Latin classics, early displaying that eloquence which so distinguished him in after life. At the age of 18 he went to Oxford, where he was "exposed to the society of the wicked."Fortunately he came under the influence of Charles Wesley, and he joined a society of Methodists. Having taken his degree, he was ordained by Bishop Benson, of Gloucester, and after staying some time in England, often preaching to enormous concourses of people, he paid his first visit to America in 1737, returning in the following year. In all he paid three visits to America, and ultimately died at Newbury Port, U.S.A., aged 56. In March, 1743, he writes in his diary: "Then I rode to Stroud and preached to about 12,000 people in Mrs. G.'s field, and about 6 in the evening to a like number on Hampton Common."No doubt he spoke from "Whitefield's Tump [Map]."The diary proceeds: "After this, went to Hampton and held a general love feast and went to bed about mid-night very cheerful and happy."In a letter written March 12, 1744, he says: "Wiltshire has been very remarkable for mobbing and abusing the Methodists, and for about 10 months past it has also prevailed very much in Gloucestershire, especially at Hampton, where Mr Adams has a house and has been much blessed to many people. About the beginning of July last they assembled in great numbers with a low bell and horn, broke the windows and mobbed the people to such a degree that many expected to be murdered and hid themselves in holes and corners. Once when I was there they continued from four till mid-night rioting, giving loud huzzas, casting dirt upon the hearers and declaring that none should preach there on pain of being put into a skin pit and afterwards into a brook. On the 10th July they came to the number of near 300, forced into Mr Adams' house and demanded him down the stairs whereon he was preaching, took him out of the house, threw him into a skin pit full of noisome things and stagnated water. One of our friends named Williams asked them "if they were not ashamed to use an innocent man so ? "They threw him into the same pit and dragged him along the kennel. Mr Adams quietly returned and betook himself to prayer, ex- horting the people to rejoice in suffering for the sake of the Gospel. In about half an hour they returned and led him away to a place called Bourne Brook and threw him in. A bystander rescued him but they threw him in again. After this there was no more preaching for some time, the people fearing to assemble on account of the violence of the mob."Thereupon an information was laid in the King's Bench against five of the rioters, and the trial was held at Gloucester Assizes. Of course, the other side gave a different account of the oc- currences, but the verdict was in favour of the Methodists. I do not find that any penalty was inflicted, and Whitefield says that they were only anxious to let them see what they could do, and then forgive them. No doubt the Methodists were maltreated in this case, as in others, but it must be remembered that we have the evidence of one side only and the accusations were stoutly denied by the defendants. Mr Adams, who at that time was at Minchinhampton, lived afterwards at Rod- borough, where he built and endowed the Tabernacle, "for the sole use and benefit of a certain society of people who pro- fess to be of the Calvinistic principles pursued and upheld by the late Rev. George Whitefield."
However much we may regret these persecutions of the Methodists, we must remember that the Clergy of the Es- tablished Church also suffered greatly during the Civil War and Commonwealth, and none more grievously than the Rev. Henry Fowler, the Rector of the same Parish in which the above events occurred. We may be thankful that we live in better and more enhghtened times, and that persecutions in the name of Religion have long ceased to exist.
Proceedings of the Cotteswold Naturalists' Field Club Volume 5 Page 277. The largest tumulus of this district stands on Selsley Hill ; it is known as "The Toots [Map]," and has been opened in three places, but I am not aware that any record has been preserved of the results of this disturbance. The Bown Hill Tumulus [Map] (Fig. 2) was opened by the Club in May, 1863, and found to have been formed over stone chambers ; particulars of this examination are given in the " Proceedings of the Club," Yol. III., page 199. The tumulus on Minchinhampton Common, popularly known as "Whitfield's Tump [Map]," has been so thoroughly distiirbed as to render it difficult to ascertain its original form and dimensions.
36 Whitfield Tump. Whitefield's Tump Long Barrow [Map]
The remains of this long barrow are to be found on Minchinhampton Common, a little to the north of the Amberley Camp, and about two miles south of Stroud. It has been so much disturbed that it is difficult to ascertain its original form and dimensions. Its direction was east-south‑east and west-north‑west, the highest part being towards the east-south. Mr. Playne states the probable dimensions at seventy-five feet by thirty-six feet, but I think it must have been much longer than here stated in its original form.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Whitefield's Tump Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Lower Swell, Whittlestone aka Whistlestone Barrow [Map]
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Whittlestone aka Whistlestone Barrow [Map]
Finds Near Stow on the Wold. Nether Swell. — Within a stone's throw from the north-west angle of the church, on the summit of the rising ground, in the allotments, stood, within the memory of the writer of this paper, a familiar, yet most venerable monolith. It was known as the Whistlestone [Map] (so called, perhaps, from this, the Wheat Hill, as the one beyond was the Oat Hill). This stone was the last, most probably, of a cist. Many bones were found at its base. A witticism, amongst the villagers, was this: — "When the Whistle-stone hears Stow clock (a mile off) strike twelve, it goes down to Lady-well (at the Hill's foot) to drink." Alas, poor Whistlestone! Farmer Illes, one of the olden time, one day picked up two of a perfect set of teeth, in plowing by the stone, but so harried was he by the weirdy teeth, that he replaced them speedily where he found them. But a later occupier did what the good folk of the village declared could not be done — for "All the King's horses and all the King's men" could not cast down nor carry away Whistlestone — but it was carried away — yet rescued from the roads or profane use. In the vicarage-paddock the pre-historic block now finds asylum.
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Willersey Barrow [Map]
It is a curious fact that Five Wells Chambered Tomb [Map] is, within 0.2 of a degree of longitude, north of Stonehenge [Map] - see Five Wells Chambered Tomb and Stonehenge Alignment. Moreover, this line of longitude, give or take 500m, has the highest number of Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Monuments on it when compared to other lines of longitude. North to South:
Five Wells Chambered Tomb [Map]
Willersey Barrow [Map]
Monkton Fields Long Barrow [Map]
Netheravon 6 Long Barrow [Map]
Volume 9 1876. I should mention here that the old Salt-way from Droitwich to the coast of Hampshire climbs the Coteswold Hills in the parish of Hailes. In the church of the adjoining parish of Didbrook, some Lancastrians are said to have sought refuge after the battle of Tewkesbury, A.D. 1471, but were brought out and shot down at the west end. The door is perforated with bullet holes. I give the tradition as it was narrated to me. Passing along the side of the hill, in the hundred of Kiftsgate, of which I shall say more presently, we come to the village of Stanway. There is here a large and handsome manor house, in the Tudor style. The banquetting hall is a fine room, and the lodge was built by Inigo Jones, about 1630. Dover, who instituted the Coteswold games, is said to have been buried here, but I think this is a mistake, for the registers of Uarton-on-the-Heath, give a long list of the Dover family, amongst others Mr. Robert Dover, who was buried in 1652. In the adjoining parish of Stanton there are the remains of a large camp, but I have been quite unable to glean any particulars about it beyond the fact that it is sometimes called "Shenborough Camp," sometimes "Lidcombe," sometimes "Stanton," and is supposed to be the connecting link between Beckbury Camp and WiUersey Camp, both of which are visible from it. There is some old glass in the church of the 15th century. Still keeping under the brow of the hill, we come to Buckland, or "Bocland," because the tenure of the land was by deed in opposition to "Folkland" that held by hearsay of the folk. There is an interesting little church with some curious glass in the windows. Mr. Gambier Tarry, a former president, remarks: — "There are some Hue old seats and tiles, the unusual feature, too, of testers projecting over the seats against the wall, frescoes, and a beautiful Kancte-belle cot." These are described in the Archaeological Transactions of this Society, Tart I., 1879-80, pp. 10 and 11. The manor belonged to the Abbey of Gloucester, and I do not find mention made of any other property in the neighbourhood in the possession of that house. The counties of Gloucester and Worcester are in this district very much intermixed, and we shall enter the latter in the parish of Broadway. The ancient road to London passed by the old church; but now the village is so far distant that a new church, in a more convenient situation, has been built, and the venerable old building of the latter part of the 12th century is only used daring the summer months for service. A paper will be read on our visit to the church. In contrast to the care which is bestowed upon this sacred edifice, let me call attention to the almost ruinous state of the building called "the Grange." Alas, this once cosy retreat of the Abbots of Pershore is falling to decay, and unless some means are speedily taken to preserve it this relic of the 14th century will soon be a ruin and a building of the past. The drive up Broadway Hill is rather steep. On the top is a small Inn, with the sign of "The Fish" — either "lucus a non lucendo" — or to keep up the old saying "as thirsty as a fish," which you certainly will he after walking up. The Downs on the top, before enclosure, must have been very extensive. Here both Cavalier and Roundhead were often alternately encamped, and there is a despatch in existence from Lord Digby, dated Broadway Downs, 17th of June, 1644. On the top of the hill, but in the parish of Willersey, and consequently in the county of Gloucester, looking over the Vale of Evesham, are the remains of a very large camp. In extent it is more than 60 acres, and is said by Rudder to have been formed during the Danish ravages. On two sides the camp is naturally defended, on the other two it must have been strongly fortified, for there are evidences of double entrenchments. It is said that here the Mercians were encamped before the battle which took place between them and the West Saxons, at a spot which still retains the name of Battle Bridge, in the parish of Chipping Campden, in the hamlet of Berrington, which probably takes its name from the barrows or "tumuli" [Willersey Barrow [Map]] raised over the bodies of the slain. Guthrum, the Danish King, spent a whole year in Gloucestershire, and it may be that the record of one of the engagements with Alfred about A.D. 877 has thus been traditionally preserved. Within the camp is a large long-barrow running east and west. Through the kindness and liberality of Mr. Chadwiok, the owner of the property, tins barrow was in some measure opened ten days ago. The outside walls on the north and south sides were clearly traced, and some very large stones were found at the east end. A few bones were discovered under the largest stone. These have been carefully preserved, and the opening, so far as it went, has been left for your inspection. In the adjoining parish of Saintbury (or as it is called in the Doomsday book Swineberie, that is Swine's camp) there is a smaller camp, probably an outlying work, as it is connected with the larger one in Willersey. Fosbroke calls it Danish. But by the side of these two camps runs the ancient road of Buckle Street, or Buggilde Street. Mr. Witta has traced this road from Ryknield Street, which runs near Bidford to its junction with the Kossway, near Bourton-on-the-Water, and says it is first mentioned in a Saxon charter dated 709. Rudder attributes all these entrenchments to the Danish locusts, who for many years desolated the country, but I think there can be no doubt that both here and on Meon Hill these camps may have been British, were undoubtedly Roman, and were afterwards occupied by both Saxons and Danes. Driving on, now on the top of the hill we come to the parish of Weston Suhcdge, with which I am more immediately connected, and by the route I hope we shall take to-morrow it will be entered near to a very celebrated locality — namely, Kifts-gate, from which the Hundred takes its name. The position was formerly called "The Narrows," and the meaning of the word may be derived from the old Celtic word "Cefn" — a ridge — as this accurately describes the tongue of land ou which it stood. Alas ! the gate lias gone, the post alone remains. I believe it is the intention of hold Gainsborough, on whose property it stands, carefully to preserve this ancient relic. In former days the court of the hundred or Wapentake was assembled here for the administration of justice, as well as for military purposes, and evidently the place of assembly for such business must have been of considerable importance. I have reason to believe that
Volume 9 1876. At the close of this address the journey was resumed, and Willersey Camp was next reached. It is the site of a British Camp, on property now belonging to Mr. R. N. Chadwick, who had obligingly given permission for its inspection, and also for the exploration of the barrow adjacent. Mr. George B. Witts (age 29) here acted as cicerone, and by his concise and graphic description of the remains gave his auditory clear ideas of their ancient form and uses. The camp, Mr. Witts stated, was 68 acres in extent, and after describing how it was originally constructed, pointed out the number of British camps which were visible from it. Amongst them were those as distant as Shenboro', Cleeve Hill (Cheltenham), Oxenton Hill, May Hill, Welshboro', Malvern, Bredon (2), Meon, Chastleton, and the Rollright stones [Map], to all which, with others, Mr. Witts directed attention. He also described the situation of the camp in relation to the Roman roads and its connection with Saintbury (Swains'-bury) camp. From the camp a short walk brought the party to the barrow [Willersey Barrow [Map]], which with praiseworthy zeal Mr. Witts had on the previous day, with a willing party of workers, partially excavated. The face of the outer wall of the barrow was exposed for some distance, also the walls of some of the chambers, though displaced probably by previous explorers. Here the bones of the ox were found, and also many fragments of human bones and of pottery, with some flint chips. After an explanation of the form and extent of the barrow, a hearty vote of thanks was given to Mr. Chadwick for his permission to explore the barrow, and to those who had so well done the work. The carriages were resumed, and on arriving at Kiftsgate Stone the President pointed it out to the party as their carriages arrived in succession at the spot, and thence they were conveyed to the summit of "Dover's Hill." From this hill is a most magnificent panorame, which was seen to great advantage, the atmosphere being just at that time particularly favorable for views of distant scenery. From the hill associated with the historic name of Mr. Dover, the great patron of the Coteswold games, the travellers proceeded to the picturesque town of Chipping Campden, where at the ancient hostelry of the Noel Arms the party alighted to lunch, to which they had been kindly invited by the President. Having partaken of the President's hospitality
37 Willersey Barrow. Willersey Barrow [Map]
There is a mound in Willersey Camp, on the top of the Cotteswold Hills, one and a half miles from Broadway, very much like a long barrow, though without excavation it would be impossible to be certain as to its nature. Its length is 160 feet, greatest width 66 feet, and greatest height four feet six inches. Its direction is east and west, the highest portion being at the east end. The interior seems to be composed of oolitic rubble and slabs, similar to that found in other Gloucestershire barrows.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Willersey Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Windmill Tump aka Rodmarton Long Barrow [Map]
Archaeologia Volume 9 Appendix. Nov. 22, 1787.
Mr. Lyson's exhibited an urn taken out of a tumulus or barrow [Windmill Tump aka Rodmarton Long Barrow [Map]], in a field called Inlands, near Hazleden, in the parish of Rodmarton and county of Gloucester, in the year 1779. It was deposited in the centre of the tumulus, in a pentagonal cell about two feet five inches in depth, formed by five large hewn stones, over which was placed another very large stone to secure it.
The tumulus from the top of it to the level of the field in which it stood was somewhat more than ten feet in depth, and consisted of fine black earth mixed with wood ashes, except a stratum of rubbish twenty inches in depth from the top. In the urn was a considerable quantity of ashes and burnt bones.
Another smaller tumulus adjoining to the one above mentioned was also opened at the same time, in which the urn was not deposited in a cell, but buried in the earth, so that it could not be taken out entire. Such parts as could be preserved of it were exhibited, from which it appears to have been of the same kind as the preceding.
27 Rodmarton Barrow. Windmill Tump aka Rodmarton Long Barrow [Map]
This was opened by Mr. Lysons in 1863; it lies within half a mile of the village of Rodmarton, and was known by the popular name of "Windmill Tump." It is 176 feet long, 71 feet wide, and ten feet high; its direction was east and west, the widest end being towards the east. A few feet below the surface of the east end two very large stones were found standing upright, each of them eight feet six inches in height; against these was leaning a third stone of vast size, in a slanting position. A chamber was found on the north side formed of seven large upright stones, with a paved floor, covered at the top by a single stone measuring nine feet by eight feet, and eighteen inches thick. The chamber was approached by a narrow passage, with walls on either side. Within the chamber were fortified no less than thirteen skeletons, also five flint arrow-heads, a large piece of natural flint, and some coarse black pottery. Another chamber was discovered on the southern side, much of the same character, but composed of nine stones instead of seven.
See "Archaeologia," vol. IX, p367.
Also "Our British Ancestors" (Lysons), p137.
Also "Relig. Brit. Rom.," vol. II, p8.
Also "Relig. Brit. Rom.," vol. III, p7.
Also "Proc. Soc. Ant.," 2nd ser., vol. II, p275.
Also "Crania Brit.," vol. II.
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Windmill Tump aka Rodmarton Long Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Withington Barrow [Map]
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Withington Barrow [Map]
Europe, British Isles, England, Welsh March, Gloucestershire, Chedworth, Woodbarrow [Map]
Long Barrows of the Cotswolds. Woodbarrow [Map]