Bronze Age Barrow (Thirston)
[Marginal] 'Supposed tumuli near the loop in the north road' (a). [Previous notes in article suggest that the 'loop' is one of the two deviations in the Great North Road south of Bockenfield]. (1)
[NZ 18859655] A large barrow situated on the summit of a hill about 350ft above sea level and commanding a very extensive all-round view. The mound, which is almost entirely of earth, is 23m in diameter and 1.8m high. No trace of ditch or retaining circle. Eccentrically placed in the mound is a brick built covered water tank and an OS triangulation pillar.
Mr P Hogg, farmer, of Helm stated that when excavating for the water tank c.1915 he discovered an iron spearhead, much corroded. It has since been lost.
There is a local tradition that the mound covers the fallen of a battle in the vicinity.
The situation and construction is typical of a Bronze Age bowl barrow. It would appear likely that the primary burial is undisturbed.
There are no traces of any other barrows in the area to account for the description 'tumuli' by authority (1). (2)
Surveyed at 1/2500. (3)
Although prominent on its hilltop site, a large portion of the centre of the barrow has been excavated to create the concrete water tank. It enjoys extensive panoramic views in all directions except the south and south-west which are obscured by a nearby modern house and plantation. (4)
[NZ 18859655] A large barrow situated on the summit of a hill about 350ft above sea level and commanding a very extensive all-round view. The mound, which is almost entirely of earth, is 23m in diameter and 1.8m high. No trace of ditch or retaining circle. Eccentrically placed in the mound is a brick built covered water tank and an OS triangulation pillar.
Mr P Hogg, farmer, of Helm stated that when excavating for the water tank c.1915 he discovered an iron spearhead, much corroded. It has since been lost.
There is a local tradition that the mound covers the fallen of a battle in the vicinity.
The situation and construction is typical of a Bronze Age bowl barrow. It would appear likely that the primary burial is undisturbed.
There are no traces of any other barrows in the area to account for the description 'tumuli' by authority (1). (2)
Surveyed at 1/2500. (3)
Although prominent on its hilltop site, a large portion of the centre of the barrow has been excavated to create the concrete water tank. It enjoys extensive panoramic views in all directions except the south and south-west which are obscured by a nearby modern house and plantation. (4)
N11349
Bronze Age (2600BC to 700BC)
UNCERTAIN
UNCERTAIN
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1957; E Geary
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT, A1 in Northumberland 2017; Jacobs
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT, A1 in Northumberland 2017; Jacobs
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