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.
Despite partial early excavation, the three round barrows on Brackenber Moor, 190m, 220m and 500m south east of Appleby Golf Club survive comparatively well on a prominent ridge. Their significance is enhanced by the survival of other prehistoric archaeological remains in the vicinity. The monument will contain archaeological deposits relating to its construction, use and abandonment and environmental deposits relating to the use of the surrounding landscape. The monument provides insight into the character of funerary rituals during the Bronze Age.
Details
The monument, which falls into three areas, includes the remains of three Bronze Age round barrows situated on a north west-south east ridge. The three barrows are about 0.5m high and vary in diameter from approximately 7m to 12m with the south eastern barrow being the largest. The barrows contain depressions in the centre from old excavations but are otherwise intact. There are further prehistoric archaeological remains in the vicinity of the monument, some of which are separately scheduled.
SOURCES
PastScape Monument No:- 14893, 14904
NMR:- NY71NW19, NY71NW24
Cumbria HER:- 1820, 1821, 1822
