More information : [ST 76305066] ORCHARDLEIGH STONES [G.T.]. (1)
Recorded by Skinner (2) as a tumulus 50 ft x 36 ft., with two large
stones at its east end, one leaning against the other. Excavated by
Gray in 1920. The stones were 10 1/2 ft. and 5 1/2ft. high
respectively, but set only 18" in the ground, suggesting they were
not in situ.
A prostrate stone, nearby, was visible at the surface, and several
others were revealed by digging. Finds included several flints, many
small fragments of R.B. pottery, two Roman coins, and pieces of
human bone. [See AO/LP/64/23] (3).
Gray concluded that this was the remains of a disturbed chambered
long barrow.
Daniel, however, doubts very much if "there was ever a burial chamber
at this site". (4)
Scheduled as a burial chamber. (5)
The two stones, the taller is 3.3m., stand on a slightly raised
semi-circular platform, with a bank on the south-west. Two other
stones show through the surface. It is not possible by visual
inspection to reach any conclusion concerning the nature of the site.
See G.P. AO/64/267/3.
Surveyed at 1/2500. (6)
ST 7628 5069: Long barrow, Murtry Hill. Opened 1803-4, primary?
deposit of human bones, secondary? cremations in urns, Large stone W
of centre broken just before visit by Skinner (source 2) in 1825.
Excavations by Gray (source 3) revealed human remains just W of the
entrance and he suspected that the 2 standing stones now at E end may
have been placed there c.1800 as a 'restoration' (7)
Additional references (8)(9)(10)(11)
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