Scheduled Monument: FRIDEN HOLLOW BOWL BARROW (1008004)

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. Although Friden Hollow bowl barrow has been disturbed by excavation and past agricultural practice, it is an unusual example which, in addition to rare evidence of an in-situ cremation, retains further significant archaeological remains which will provide evidence of the barrow's origins. DETAILS Friden Hollow bowl barrow is a sub-circular barrow located in the central uplands of the limestone plateau of Derbyshire. The monument includes a mound measuring 16 metres by 14 metres and standing c.½ metre high. Previously, the barrow would have been somewhat higher but its profile has been changed by ploughing occurring during World War II. Partial excavations of the mound were carried out in 1825, by William Bateman, and in 1844, by Thomas Bateman, when traces of burnt bone and charcoal were found indicating an in-situ cremation. The appearance of the barrow, and its proximity to others datable to the Bronze Age, suggest that it too dates to this period. However, pot sherds of a very hard texture found during excavation may date to the Roman or Anglian periods, and suggest either that the barrow was re-used at this time or that it is not of prehistoric origin. In this respect, and others, it is similar to nearby Ringham Low bowl barrow. SELECTED SOURCES Book Reference - Author: Barnatt, J. - Title: The Peak District Barrow Survey - Date: 1989 - Type: DESC TEXT - Description: Site 8;21 Book Reference - Author: Barnatt, J. - Title: The Peak District Barrow Survey - Date: 1989 - Type: PLAN: MEASURED - Description: Site 8;21 Book Reference - Author: Bateman, T. - Title: Vestiges of the Antiquities of Derbyshire - Date: 1848 - Page References: 33,54 - Type: DESC TEXT Book Reference - Author: Marsden B - Title: The Burial Mounds of Derbyshire (1977) - Date: 1977 - Page References: 74 - Type: DESC TEXT Article Reference - Author: Ward, J. - Title: Notes on some Derbys Antiquities from S Mitchell's memoranda - Date: 1908 - Journal Title: Derbyshire Archaeological Journal - Page References: 155-72 - Type: DESC TEXT