| Summary : A Neolithic long barrow designated as Bratton 1 by Grinsell (1957). It is situated within the interior of Bratton Camp Iron Age hillfort (ST 95 SW 1) on Bratton Down and comprises a substantial mound, 73 metres long and, at its widest point, over 17 metres across. It is 3 metres high at the highest (eastern) end, the height reducing to little over 2 metres at the west end. The barrow has been partially excavated on at least three ocassions, initially in the 18th century by Whitaker without recorded results. In the early 19th century two investigations by Cunnington revealed first pottery, animal bones, and a bead, and subsequently three skeletons which have been interpreted as possible Saxon interments. In the mid 19th century further investigations were carried out by Thurnham who found a primary cremation platform for one or two adults. |
More information : ST 90045159 Long Barrow (NR). (1)
A long barrow, inside Bratton Castle, is 230 feet long, 65 feet
wide and is 7.5 feet high from the south and 12.5 feet high
from the north. It is orientated east-west on arable though not
ploughed. It was excavated in the 18th century when bones,
antlers, urns and iron objects were found. (2-3)
Cunnington found pottery, black earth and animal bones at his
first attempt, and three skeletons near the surface at his
second trial. Thurnam, in 1866, found a cremation burial at a
depth of 8.5 feet on the natural level, described by Grinsell
as a primary platform cremation. Several authorities have
referred to the inhumations as probably pagan-Saxon. (4)
Long barrow surveyed at 1:2500 (5)
A long barrow, much mutilated by unfilled excavation trenches
and spoil heaps, situated below the crest of the hilltop on a
gentle north-facing slope under pasture.
The barrow measures 72 metres in length and increases in width from 16 metres at the west end to 20 metres at the east end; it measures 2.3 metres high at the west end to 3 metres at the east end. On the north, downhill, side, ploughing has cut away the soil
to a depth of 1 metres giving an exaggerated height to the
barrow. There are no visible side ditches.
Divorced resurvey of Oct 1971 still correct. (6)
Originally recorded as Bratton 1 by Goddard (7) further description
by Cunnington. (8) The barrow was excavated in the 18th century by Whittaker. The results of which are poorly documented, but appears to have located human remains, antler, Neolithic or Beaker pottery. (9)
Re-surveyed at 1:500 by RCHME field staff as part of the Salisbury Plain Training Area Project. The long barrow survives to 69 metres long, 20 metres wide and 3 metres high at the east end. However it has been severely disfigured by quarrying, probably during the 19th century or earlier. For further details see archive report. (10)
Early Saxon inhumations. (11)
The barrow comprises a substantial mound 73 metres long and, at its widest point, over 17 metres across. It is 3 metres high at the highest (eastern) end, the height reducing to little over 2 metres at the west end. The barrow has been partially excavated on at least three ocassions, initially in the 18th century by Whitaker without recorded results. In the early 19th century two investigations by Cunnington revealed first pottery, animal bones, and a bead, and subsequently three skeletons which have been interpreted as possible Saxon interments. In the mid 19th century further investigations were carried out by Thurnham who found a primary cremation platform for one or two adults. (12) |