Scheduled Monument: ROUND BARROW 500M SOUTH WEST OF PEVERIL CASTLE (1020085)

REASONS FOR DESIGNATION Round barrows 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 mounds, sometimes ditched, which covered single or multiple burials. They occur either in isolation or grouped as cemeteries and often acted as a focus of 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 examples recorded nationally (many more have already been destroyed), occurring across most of Britain, including the Wessex area where it is often possible to classify them more closely, for example as bowl or bell barrows. Often occupying prominent locations, they are a major historic element in the modern landscape and their considerable variation in 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. The round barrow 500m south west of Peveril Castle survives extremely well and is unusual in the Peak District in being unexcavated. It will retain significant information on both its date and contents. Its location in an area of known Anglian activity has lead to suggestions that it may have been constructed during the 7th century AD. Such barrows were built for individuals of high rank, often containing grave goods which can provide an important insight into the individual buried. Barrows of this date are extremely rare with only 50-60 examples having been positively identified. The barrow is of particular importance if it does date from this period. DETAILS The monument includes a round barrow standing within an area of unimproved pasture to the south west of Peveril castle. It comprises a low, turf-covered mound of earth and limestone, situated at the eastern end of a high ridge directly north of Cave Dale. The location of the monument provides extensive views to the north and west over the Hope Valley and surrounding hills. The mound occupies an area of flat, stony ground and measures 9.5m by 9m and stands 0.5m high. There is no sign of disturbance to the mound associated with antiquarian excavation or quarrying. The monument is believed to be a bowl barrow of Bronze Age date, comparable to several similar but disturbed monuments in the region. It is also possible, however, that the barrow was constructed during the 7th century for a member of the local Anglian aristocracy. Other similar barrows in the area have been shown to have been constructed or reused at this time. Without detailed excavation the exact date of the monument will remain unclear. Whether of prehistoric or early medieval date, the monument is a rare example of an intact funerary monument. The undisturbed archaeological remains within the mound are potentially of great value in understanding both past funerary practices and social organisation. SELECTED SOURCES Book Reference - Author: Barnatt, J W - Title: Aston Hall - Land at Castleton Derbyshire, Archaeological Survey - Date: 1992 - Page References: 2/2 - Type: DESC TEXT Book Reference - Author: Barnatt, J W - Title: Aston Hall - land at Castleton Derbyshire, Archaeological Survey - Date: 1992 - Type: PLAN: MEASURED - Description: illustration 3 Book Reference - Author: Barnatt, J W - Title: The Peak District Barrow Survey - Date: 1989 - Page References: 3:12 - Type: DESC TEXT Book Reference - Author: Barnatt, J W - Title: The Peak District Barrow Survey - Date: 1989 - Page References: 3:12 - Type: PLAN: MEASURED Book Reference - Author: Barnatt, J W Collis, J R - Title: Barrows in the Peak District: recent research - Date: 1996 - Page References: 57-62 - Type: DESC TEXT