Burnt Mound on Rhossili Down

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument consists of the remains of a burnt mound, probably dating to the Bronze Age (c. 2,300BC - 800BC). A burnt mound is an accumulation of burnt (fire-crazed) stones, ash and charcoal, usually sited next to a river or lake, with hearths and/or some form of trough or basin capable of holding water either within the mound or adjacent to it. This crescentic turf-covered mound lies on the brow of the northern slope of Rhossili Down, beside a spring, which is the source of a small stream. The mound measures approximately 12.5m north to south by approximately 10.7m east to west and is approximately 1m in height, rising to two low mound-like features on each horn of the crescent. The hollow part of the crescent opens towards the spring, which lies to the west.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric ritual and funerary practices. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The structure itself may be expected to contain archaeological information concerning chronology and environmental evidence. A burnt mound may be part of a larger cluster of monuments and their importance can further enhanced by their group value.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.