Scheduled Monument: BASSETT WOOD BOWL BARROW (1009169)

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 partially disturbed by excavation, Bassett Wood bowl barrow is a well preserved example containing further significant archaeological remains. Unusually for the Peak District this barrow is known to be surrounded by a ditch. DETAILS Bassett Wood bowl barrow is a well preserved sub-circular earthen barrow situated in the southern fringes of the Derbyshire Peak District. The monument includes a mound measuring 29m by 25m by c.1m high, and the surrounding construction ditch which is c.3m wide and buried under accumulated soil and debris. During a partial excavation carried out by Thomas Bateman in 1845, a grave-pit was found covered by a limestone floor strewn with charcoal. Inside the grave were the remains of a cremation burial indicating a Bronze Age date for the barrow. SELECTED SOURCES Book Reference - Author: Barnatt, J. - Title: The Peak District Barrow Survey - Type: DESC TEXT Book Reference - Author: Barnatt, J. - Title: The Peak District Barrow Survey - Type: PLAN: MEASURED Book Reference - Author: Bateman - Title: Vestiges of the Antiquities of Derbyshire - Type: DESC TEXT Book Reference - Author: Marsden B - Title: The Burial Mounds of Derbyshire (1977) - Date: 1977 - Type: DESC TEXT