Round Barrow Cairn, 340m west of The Parwg

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The monument comprises the remains of a multiphase round barrow cairn, which dates to the Early-Middle Bronze Age (c. 2,600-1,200 BC). It is located on a low natural rise on a gentle SE-facing slope. Phasing from part archaeological excavation suggested that a rock-cut ditch was overlain by a primary cairn and earthen barrow, and encircled by two ditches during the Early Bronze Age (c. 2,600-1,600 BC). A secondary central cairn and stone kerb measuring 9.7m N-S by 9.1m E-W was established. Two skeletons interred into the cairn surface were radiocarbon dated to 2,136-1,950 cal BC and 2,027-1,878 cal BC. During the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1,600-1,200 BC), three satellite cairns were established close to the primary cairn. One satellite cairn included the cremated remains of an individual which were radiocarbon dated to 1,640-1,450 cal BC. During the final phase of construction, an earthen mound measuring 20-25m in diameter was built over the central cairn, stone kerb, satellite cairns and outer ditches. The associated cremation cemetery of 36 individuals to the south was probably laid out at this time, and seventeen cremations were inserted into the final phase mound, positioned outside the stone kerb to the east and south. The earthen mound is now reduced in height and spread owing to later agricultural activity.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric burial and ritual practices. It is an important relic of a prehistoric funerary and ritual landscape and has been demonstrated by excavation to retain significant and well preserved archaeological evidence, including the presence of intact burial deposits, structural, and artefactual evidence. Buried prehistoric land surfaces and environmental evidence are also preserved. The importance of the monument is further enhanced by its group value with other prehistoric funerary and ritual monuments nearby.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and an area around within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is centred on OS NGR 298392 168797, is an irregular oval in shape on plan and measures 38m N-S by 25m transversely.