Phillip Brant-Simmons discusses where to go in Gloucestershire to see some fascinating Neolithic burial mounds
There are many Neolithic long barrows in the Cotswolds, a number of which have been reconstructed and are available for the public to visit. Neolithic long barrows are chambered tombs dating anywhere from around 3,700 BC to 3,000 BC, so most were constructed more than 5,000 years ago. The dead were placed in these tombs and the barrows seem to have been opened multiple times while they were in use, probably in order to bury more dead. Other arguments have been put forward that there were rituals associated with reopening the barrows. I was inspired to write this blog after visiting Hetty Pegler’s Tump near the village of Uley, as well as Belas Knap. Below is a description of three barrows that are open to visitors, and one that you can learn about here at the museum, with a bit about their history and excavations, as well as links to directions on how to get to them.
Hetty Pegler’s Tump
Hetty Pegler’s Tump
This barrow’s rather peculiar name comes from the landowner in 1695, Hester Pegler. Finds at the mound include Roman coins and medieval artefacts, suggesting that it has been dug at various points over the past 2,000 years. The first modern excavations were undertaken in 1821 and it has been subject to a number of further excavations since. The excavations revealed at least 15 skeletons but where these skeletons are now is a mystery!
For more information and directions on how to get there go to: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/uley-long-barrow-hetty-peglers-tump/
Nympsfield
Much like Hetty Pegler’s Tump, this barrow has been excavated a few times in its history, with the first dig in 1862. This one is special compared to many others in that the chambers of the tomb have been left open, so you can easily see the layout and how the chambers connected to each other.
For more information and directions on how to get there go to: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/nympsfield-long-barrow/
Belas Knap
Belas Knap
Belas Knap is probably the most well-preserved long barrow in the Cotswolds. This is due to the fact that several works were done in the 1920s to restore it. When it was excavated in the 1860s, several burials were found as well as an intriguing “false entrance”, which has produced several different theories as to what purpose it served.
For more information and directions on how to get go to: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belas-knap-long-barrow/
Hazelton North
Hazelton North
Hazelton North is a much more recently excavated long barrow, with the dig taking place in the early 1980s. It was found to contain around 40 individuals in two burial chambers. One of the burials is thought to be one of the first in Europe to contain grave goods, a flint core and a hammer stone, which are on display in the museum. Recent DNA analysis of the skeletons has also revealed the world’s oldest family tree, with five generations shown amongst the people buried in the barrow. Sadly, this barrow is no longer visible at the site as the excavation took it apart piece by piece in an extremely careful and well-documented manner. However, we have recreated one of the chambers at the entrance to our prehistory galleries.
