More information : [NZ 29416568] Tumulus [L.B.] (1)
Maclauchlan, in 1858, noted two tumuli south of Stotts House Farm.
The western mound (NZ 29376564) has disappeared. The other is
bowl-shaped, 72ft. in 22m diameter, and 6ft 6ins high. A trench
6' wide was put through its centre. Beneath a layer of turf was a
section of earth 3' deep mined with sandstone fragments. A thin layer
of burnt earth and charcoal was beneath this, under which was a
platform of waterworn stones laid level; the stones lay on a layer of
burnt earth 7' deep which was mixed with charcoal. No artefacts were
found. (2-3)
The surviving mound, dimensions as given, has been mutilated by
modern development. It could be a barrow (though neither its
appearance nor the excavation findings are convincing.)
Published survey (1/1250) correct.
There are no visible remains of the other one. (4)
Excavation on the surviving mound in 1964 showed the earliest feature
to be cross-plough marks on the boulder clay beneath the old land
surface - possibly Bronze Age?
The 'platform of stones' seen by Wake in 1929 proved to be a
metalled roadway, considered by Jobey to be part of the Roman
Military Way (see RR 86a). A later ditch cutting into the road
resembled an open drain or agricultural 'marking-out' ditch.
The overlaying mound produced no evidence of having been sepulchral
and its precise 'function' is uncertain. No small finds were
discovered during excavation. (5)
1. NZ 29416568 The site of this mound is now in a housing
estate and has apparently been landscaped. There is a slight
raised grassy area approximately 0.3m maximum height and 10.0m
diameter. It is now impossible to tell how much of this is natural
(if any) and how much is landscaped. (See photograph from the
south east.)
2. NZ 29376564 In centre of modern roadway - no trace.
Published survey (1:1250) revised. (6)
NZ 294 657. Stotts House, Walker.
Beneath the Roman Road constructed circa 140 AD, and covered by a mound at Stotts House, were remnants of cross-ploughing. A second mound now destroyed is recorded as having lain nearby.
Additional biliographic references are given. (7)
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