ANCIENT EARTHWORKS 



ment. In the third place, there is a high mound, north of the one just 

 named, higher than the others and of irregular shape. 



To the south-east of this Giant's Grave there was, prior to the 1773 

 enclosure, one of the town ' fields ' of Ockbrook. Mr. Mallalieu's theory 

 is that this was some form of defensive earthwork, and that the frugal 

 and practical freeholders and homagers of Ockbrook carted away most of 

 the material that which remains is a red marl to fertilize the com- 

 munal field some 500 yards to the south. The field-land is light and 

 gravelly and would be improved by marling. Such action as this would 

 result in the leaving a mere mangled torso of a late Saxon or early Norman 

 burh. 1 On the whole this theory seems most reasonable, and the old 

 name of Castle or Castle Hill Field affords strong corroboration. Con- 

 trariwise ' Giant's Grave ' suggests a sepulchral tumulus, or an aggrega- 

 tion of barrows ; but probably this popular name is a comparatively late 

 invention. 



APPENDIX 



TUMULI 



The following is a complete list (about 150) of the tumuli or barrows (usually termed 

 ' lows ' in Derbyshire), or their sites, as marked on the Ordnance Sheets. A list of 206 Derby- 



SC Alt OF FEET 

 o 10 a 200 3o o 



STONB Low. 



shire barrows that had Deen explored was given by Mr. Bateman in 1861. Many have 

 disappeared in the construction of further fences and through other causes since that date. 

 The sites of many others could be identified, but those only are here included (with an 

 asterisk prefixed) which showed such traces as to be recognized as former barrows by the 

 Ordnance surveyors without the aid of printed or vocal information. 



l We are greatly indebted to Mr. Mallalieu, of Ockbrook, for the careful account and rough plans 

 of this earthwork. 



I 393 50 



