Round Barrows in Lancashire: Boar's Den and Bowl Barrows
Round barrows, particularly bowl barrows, are a common type of funerary monument found across the UK, especially in areas like Lancashire. These monuments typically date from the late Neolithic to the late Bronze Age, with most examples constructed between 2400-1500 BC. Bowl barrows, in particular, are often used for single or multiple burials and can be found either individually or as part of larger burial groups. They are a significant part of the landscape and are often recognisable due to their distinctive earthwork mounds.
Boar's Den Bowl Barrow: A Notable Example in Lancashire
One of the examples of a round barrow in Lancashire is Boar's Den, which remains relatively undisturbed. This impressive bowl barrow consists of an earth and stone mound measuring 66.5 metres (E/W) by 62 metres (N/S), with a maximum height of 2.5 metres. Although it has suffered some plough damage in the past, Boar's Den is now primarily used as grazing land and continues to be an important archaeological site. The size and form of the mound reflect the monument's significance, offering insight into the burial practices of early prehistoric communities in the region.
Bowl Barrows: A Diverse Monument Type
Bowl barrows are an integral part of prehistoric burial practices and can vary greatly in size, shape, and context. While they often appear superficially similar, they exhibit a wide range of forms and functions. These mounds were constructed from earth and stone and were used to cover individual or multiple burials. Despite their similarities, bowl barrows are highly diverse in their contents and the rituals associated with them, reflecting regional variations and differing social practices across time.
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