Scheduled Monument: BRUSHFIELD HOUGH BOWL BARROW (1008814)

REASONS FOR DESIGNATION Bowl barrows, the most numerous form of round barrow, are funerary monuments dating from the Late Neolithic period to the Late Bronze Age, with most examples belonging to the period 2400-1500 BC. They were constructed as earthen or rubble mounds, sometimes ditched, which covered single or multiple burials. They occur either in isolation or grouped as cemeteries and often acted as a focus for burials in later periods. Often superficially similar, although differing widely in size, they exhibit regional variations in form and a diversity of burial practices. There are over 10,000 surviving bowl barrows recorded nationally (many more have already been destroyed), occurring across most of lowland Britain. Often occupying prominent locations, they are a major historic element in the modern landscape and their considerable variation of form and longevity as a monument type provide important information on the diversity of beliefs and social organisations amongst early prehistoric communities. They are particularly representative of their period and a substantial proportion of surviving examples are considered worthy of protection. Brushfield Hough bowl barrow is a well-preserved example and a rare survival, in the Peak District, of an undisturbed barrow in which intact archaeological remains will survive throughout. DETAILS Brushfield Hough bowl barrow is situated on the limestone plateau of Derbyshire above the junction of Monsal Dale, Taddington Dale and Wye Dale. The monument includes a sub-circular cairn measuring 15m by l3m and standing c.1.5m high. It has a prominent location, on a flat-topped promontory above a steep natural scarp, looking south-east across the confluence of the three dales. It also overlooks Fin Cop bowl barrow which lies due east on the opposite side of Monsal Dale. Together, the two barrows flank the mouth of the dale. There is no recorded excavation of the site which appears to have suffered only very slight disturbance. The location and appearance of the barrow, and its proximity to others of the period, date it to the Bronze Age. SELECTED SOURCES Book Reference - Author: Barnatt, J - Title: The Peak District Barrow Survey (1989) - Date: 1989 - Type: DESC TEXT Book Reference - Author: Barnatt, J - Title: The Peak District Barrow Survey (1989) - Date: 1989 - Type: PLAN: MEASURED