Notes on a Group of Barrows on Beckhampton Downs. 847 
The barrow marked p. is oblong in form and low in height, and 
is placed symmetrically between o. and g. of the map, thus forming 
a very picturesque group; though the effect has been greatly marred 
by the plough, which is rapidly reducing it in height. From Mr. 
Cunnington’s MS. Book 13, p. 38, we find that this was considered 
to be a “long” barrow; but though it has never been properly 
explored, there is evidence that it belonged to a later, namely the 
round barrow period; for, though of oblong form, the writer found 
traces of an interment of burnt bones, accompanied by a small rude 
urn. This had been nearly destroyed by the plough, but the 
bottom of it, about four inches in diameter, was left in the original 
position, as nearly as may be in the centre of the mound. 
The largest of these barrows, ‘‘7,” was opened by Mr. Cunnington 
in 1808. It was then 14ft. high. It contained a skeleton lying 
north and south. The original cist was not discovered, and there 
is no further notice of the skeleton, which was probably a secondary 
interment. 
The small round barrow, within the ditch of this large barrow, 
contained a simple burial of burnt bones only. 
The bell-barrow “g” has not been opened. 
That marked “0,” is not so high as the other, “it had on the 
floor an interment of burnt bones, which had been wrapped in a 
linen cloth, the remains of which were very distinct. There were 
deposited with it a small bronze arrow-head, a bronze pin, several 
pieces of chipped flint [implements], and a piece of black fossil 
wood [? Kimmeridge coal] such as the Britons used for making 
beads of, &c. It had been cut or sawed off a larger piece.” 
The specimens found on this occasion—the bronze arrow-head and 
pin, the flint implements, and the piece of Kimmeridge coal—are 
very characteristic of early Bronze Period interments. We cannot 
but regret that they have not been preserved, though they were 
doubtless sent to the museum at Stourhead. 
in perfection the visitor must be in the neighbourhood of Stonehenge—and during 
the summer months, when the downs are fragrant with the wild thyme, and the 
barrows decked with their profusion of beautiful flowers. A bell-shaped barrow 
is “a thing of beauty and a joy.” 
