More information : (SU 59272839) Tumuli (NR) (Two shown). (1)
Long Barrow (NR). (2)
"Probably a double or triple barrow. Chalk on clay, ploughed". (3)
"On second visit I decided that this is a true long barrow with
side-ditches". (4)
Shown and described as a long barrow, No 44. (5)
Excavated by Canon Milner. Four trenches were cut in order to
ascertain whether the big ditches had existed which
characteristically flanked long barrows. The first, which was
dug down to the level, undisturbed chalk from the rise of the
barrow in a northerly direction across the central depression
revealed a ditch 20' wide and 7'9" deep.
A series of trial pits subsequently connected up into a trench
40' long were dug at the east end about 12' north of the axis
of the barrow in order to discover whether the ditch continued
round that end or gave place to a causeway. Undisturbed chalk
proved that there was no ditch.
The third trench was dug to a depth of 5' parallel to and at a
distance of 10' north of the second. The ditch was again in
evidence here.
A narrow experimental trench was dug from the north side into
the middle of the mound in order to follow up a seam of dark
earth. This ran right into the barrow at the level of the
ancient undisturbed surface and was evidently the original
top-soil of the ditch.
Except for this dark earth the trench into the barrow revealed
nothing whatever but chalk.
All the evidence points to a Neolithic long barrow, a rare work
in this neighbourhood. During the excavations a sherd of
Peterborough Ware was found - part of the rim of a bowl with
finger-nail decoration. (6)
The barrow, although in arable land and ploughed, is well
preserved and distinct. It is 70.0m. long and 36.0m. in maximum
width, the height being 1.7m. at the east end and 0.4m. lower
than this at the west end. The side ditches are visible. At the
east end an old shallow quarry pit encroaches slightly on the
mound.
The potsherd referred to in (6) is displayed in Winchester
Museum. (7)
Long barrow re-surveyed. Unable to identify side ditches. (8)
No change. Resurveyed at 1:2500. (9)
The long barrow at Lamborough is listed and fully described by
R.C.H.M., and noted as still fairly well preserved. (10)
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