Again, though sinking into the mists of time, and being swallowed up by modern detritus, one can just about get an impression of how impressive this site must have been. Up on a high ridge, once more with beautiful views all around. Hope the badgers like it there.
...talking of ancient monuments being reclaimed by their environment... this long barrow is practically indistinguishable from an edge-of-farm-dumping-ground, the big tump standing hopelessly neglected surrounded by rusting tractors, discarded agricultural detritus and is hidden beneath a thick growth of scrubby trees. Climbing over the fence to trespass, I took my machete* and hacked my way through the brambles to climb it and walk round it. It rises about 12 feet from ground level and is badly pockmarked in its south side by badgers' holes.
Very sad to see a once important structure reduced to weeping in the corner of a forgotten field.
This barrow was excavated between 1965 and 1970. The bones from between 46 and 49 individuals were found. One skull is said to have an embedded projectile injury. The remains are now stored in the Natural History Museum.
I read somewhere that the stone chamber was removed and now forms a display within Woodstock museum.
I`ve checked with the museum and the stone chamber is no longer on display, but is lying on pallets in their stores.
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