Notes on a Group of Barrotvs on Beckhampton Downs. 347 



The barrow marked p. is oblong in form and low in height, and 

 is placed symmetrically between o. and q. 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 

 I 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, (C r" 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 " q " has not been opened. 



That marked " o" 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 u a tkiug of beauty and a joy." 



