Brown-Low, Round Barrow

 

Brown-Low Round Barrow: A Prehistoric Monument on the Cheshire/Derbyshire Border

Nestled within woodland close to Ludworth Intakes, the Brown-Low Round Barrow sits at the border between Cheshire and Derbyshire, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. This ancient burial mound, dating back to 2000-1800 BC, is a prime example of a bowl barrow—one of the most common forms of prehistoric funerary monuments in Britain.

The Brown-Low Round Barrow

Measuring 25 metres in diameter and standing 2 metres high, the Brown-Low Round Barrow was first uncovered in 1809 by the local antiquarian Reverend William Marriott. The mound, now partially obscured by tree roots and vegetation, was carefully investigated by Marriott and his team of four workmen. They dug through several layers of small stones, boulders, and flat stone slabs to reach the inner section of the barrow. Marriott’s report highlighted that, at the centre of the mound, they found evidence of a burial site approximately three feet above the natural ground surface.

The excavation revealed fragments of human bone, suggesting that the site was used for cremation burials, with traces of what appeared to be a funeral pyre. The two hollow indentations visible today outline the areas that were excavated, providing insight into the burial practices of the Bronze Age.

The Significance of Round Barrows

Round barrows, particularly bowl barrows like the one at Brown-Low, are funerary monuments that date from the Late Neolithic period through to the Late Bronze Age. The majority of these barrows belong to the period between 2400 and 1500 BC. These mounds were constructed using earth and rubble, often surrounded by ditches, and typically cover single or multiple burials.

They can be found either in isolation or grouped together in cemeteries, acting as focal points for burial rituals. Though they often appear similar at first glance, there is a wide variation in size, form, and burial practices, reflecting regional differences and the cultural diversity of the time.

Today, over 10,000 bowl barrows are recorded across the UK, although many have been destroyed over the centuries due to farming, development, and erosion. The Brown-Low Round Barrow, despite its proximity to tree roots and the limited investigations of the past, remains in relatively good condition, allowing us to continue learning from this important archaeological site.

Preservation and Current Condition

Despite some damage caused by tree roots and earlier antiquarian excavations, the Brown-Low Round Barrow remains a valuable prehistoric monument. It provides a rare opportunity to explore the burial customs of Bronze Age communities, shedding light on both their social structures and spiritual beliefs.

For anyone interested in the archaeological heritage of the Cheshire/Derbyshire border, the Brown-Low Round Barrow offers an intriguing site for both historical research and scenic exploration. While access is restricted due to its location on private land, the monument’s survival gives us a tangible connection to the ancient past, offering a snapshot of burial practices and the role of such structures in the landscape thousands of years ago.

Conclusion

The Brown-Low Round Barrow is a remarkable example of a Bronze Age funerary site that continues to reveal important details about prehistoric life. Its location, size, and excavation history make it a significant monument on the Cheshire/Derbyshire border. As one of the many surviving round barrows in the UK, it adds to our understanding of Bronze Age burial practices and the ritualistic importance of these ancient structures.