168 On a Cromlech-tumulus called Lugbury, 
present time, have not failed to connect the epithet Drew with a 
supposed Druidical origin. This has however been contested by 
some, who suppose this name to be derived from that of families 
who have lived near, or possessed lands at, these places. Aubrey 
himself in his “ Collections” for North Wilts, has preserved a deed, 
probably of the 12th century, to which “‘ Walterus Drew, Dominus 
de Littletone” is the principal party. The question certainly 
admits of discussion, though the evidence seems to be in favour of 
the druidical derivation of the name; and in this instance there 
appear grounds for Dr. Stukeley’s opinion, who, in writing of 
Stanton Drew, says, “I make no doubt but the name of Stanton 
Drue is derived from our monument, Stanton from the stones, and 
Drue from the Druids. It moves not me that some of the name of 
Drew might have lived here formerly, for such a family might 
take the denomination of the town, and leaving out the first part 
retain only that of Drew. It is sufficient conviction that there are 
so many other [ places | in England and elsewhere that have preserved 
this name, and all remarkable for monuments of [this] nature.’ 
To return however to the tumulus itself. It is of a long oval 
form, ranging nearly due east and west, measuring somewhat more 
than 180 feet in length, by 90 in greatest breadth. Its present 
greatest elevation is about six feet; but, being in a ploughed field, 
it has lost somewhat of its eriginal height in the memory of those 
living, and the rude sketch of Aubrey, seems to shew that, two 
hundred years since, its elevation, towards the east end, was much 
more considerable.* The south side of the mound is still somewhat 
According indced to Welsh lexicographers, the words Derwyd and Dryw both 
signify a Druid, the latter having the additional meaning of a wren. See 
Owen, 1805, and Spurrell, 1848. 
1 “Collections for Wilts,” part I. 1821, p. 125. The family of Drew of 
Littleton Drew, appear to have been lords here for several centuries, and the 
family to have ended in the female line, by marriage with the family of 
Mompesson. Ibid. p. 56. 
2 Stukeley’s ‘‘ Itin. Cur.” 1776, vol. II. p. 177. Some further remarks on the 
topographical question, as to the name of Drew, will be found in a supplementary 
note. 
3 Collinson, toward the close of the last century, gives the length as 200, and 
the height as 9 feet. 
