More information : [SD 9434 2543] TUMULUS [OE] (Site of) (1)
Urnfield in disc barrow, Blackheath Barrow lies north of
the centre of the town of Todmorden at an altitude of 925 ft.
Blackheath is a field belonging to the farm of Rive Rocks
lying behind Butt Stones. An old footpath crosses the field
diagonally and the barrow is to the north-west of it. (2-3)
The circle [see plan AO:60:220:7] is 30.5 m in diameter,
measuring from ridge to ridge of the slight mound which marks
the circumference. The level of the ground within the circle is
slightly lower than the ground outside. Russell could see no
ditch within or outside the bank, although Alcroft mentions
an exterior fosse. (4)
The finds from the excavations began on July, 7th 1898 included:
2 of Varley's "Pennine" urns [see AO:60:224:1] and 2 other
B.A. urns [see AO:60:224:4] ; 4 pygmy cups [see AO:60:224:5] :
bronze tanged knife; jet and amber beads; bone beads;
segmented faience beads. (5)
Although at one time kept in Todmorden Free Library it appears
that the finds have been transferred to the "Historical Rooms"
Centre Vale Park, Todmorden. (6)
Blackheath is now part of a golf course, construction of which
has mutilated a portion of the antiquity.
There is no evidence of internal mounds, usually associated
with a disc barrow, but this may be due to the construction
of the golf course.
Russell's description (authority 2b) would imply that the
feature was a ring barrow. (7)
The finds were acquired by Manchester Unversity following the
closure of the Historical Rooms. (8)
See 25" A.M. for survey and comment. (9)
Survey of 13/9/60 checked and correct. (10)
Although listed by Burl (11) as an embanked stone circle, the monument is a ring cairn, as described by Barnatt (12). Note that both Burl and Barnatt offer slightly inaccurate grid references. (11-12)
Scheduled. (13)
The excavator considered that an internal `cairn' at the South of the monument, which contained a great deal of charcoal, was the firing kiln for the cremation urns. Two deep pits had been dug to provide clay for the pots within the circle. (14)
Additional references. (15-17)
Some are the finds are now back on display at Todmorden Library. (18) |