Millars Grave.Mytholmroyd

Millers Grave: Bronze Age Burial Mound in Mytholmroyd, Calderdale, West Yorkshire

Location: Mytholmroyd, Calderdale, West Yorkshire – Close to the peak of Crow Hill on the northeastern slope

Millers Grave is a Bronze Age burial mound located in Mytholmroyd, Calderdale, West Yorkshire. Situated near the peak of Crow Hill on the northeastern slope, this prehistoric site offers valuable insights into ancient burial practices and the region's early history.This site seems have a comparable structure to

Reed Hill and Whitelow Hill. 

Description of Millers Grave

The monument consists of a large cairn, built on the summit of Midgley Moor. The cairn has an approximate diameter of 15.5 meters and stands about 1.5 meters high. It is constructed using medium-sized stones, arranged around a large glacial boulder that features a deep cleft. This boulder is the central focus of the cairn, and some stones have been removed from the center to expose it, creating a hollow. Recently, additional stones have been piled around the hollow to form a shelter. The rest of the cairn’s stones are well embedded and covered with heather, blending the monument into its natural surroundings.

Robin Hoods 'Penny Stone'

One of the notable features of the cairn is a naturally carved bowl inside the boulder, often referred to as 'Robin Hood’s Penny Stone.' This unique characteristic makes the site similar to other Bronze Age sites, such as Reed Hill and Whitelow Hill.

Bronze Age Burial Mounds

Millers Grave is an example of a round cairn, a type of prehistoric funerary monument that dates back to the Bronze Age (c. 2000-700 BC). Cairns were typically built as stone mounds to cover burials, which could be placed within the mound in stone-lined compartments called cists. In some cases, cairns were surrounded by a ditch. These burial mounds were often constructed in prominent locations, making them visible landmarks in the landscape.

As a well-preserved example of a round cairn, Millers Grave is considered an important historical and archaeological site. Its survival over thousands of years allows modern-day researchers to study the layout and construction methods of Bronze Age monuments. Additionally, the site contributes to our understanding of prehistoric burial practices and the role of monuments in early communities.

Preservation of Millers Grave

Due to its historical significance, Millers Grave is considered worthy of protection. As a prehistoric monument, it is an important part of the heritage of Mytholmroyd and Calderdale. The site’s location, construction, and continued preservation make it an excellent example of a Bronze Age burial mound.