Yearn's Low Bowl Barrow, Near Rainow, Cheshire
Yearn's Low, situated near Rainow in Cheshire, is a historically significant site, home to a bowl barrow that has attracted interest from archaeologists and antiquarians for centuries. The barrow was first discovered in the 19th century by a group of antiquarians from Derbyshire, sparking early investigations into its purpose and origins. A brief excavation took place at a later date, but it was abandoned shortly after it began due to the transfer of land ownership, which hindered further research.
Description of Yearn's Low Barrow
The monument is a bowl barrow, located on a slight rise on a ridge, with higher ground to the east and west, providing a commanding view of the surrounding landscape. The barrow consists of a large mound of earth and stones, measuring approximately 19 metres in diameter and reaching a height of up to 1.5 metres. This burial mound represents a typical example of a prehistoric burial site, offering valuable insights into the rituals and practices of past communities.
In the 19th century, the centre of the barrow was partially excavated, leaving a hollow approximately 0.8 metres deep. To the north of this hollow, a trench about 0.5 metres deep was dug during a small excavation in the 1970s. The early investigation uncovered several significant finds, including Roman coins, glass beads, and bones, suggesting that the site may have been used for burial or ceremonial purposes over an extended period.
Later Excavations and Current Condition
While further excavation was planned in the 1970s, it was ultimately abandoned due to the transfer of land ownership. As a result, no further artefacts or significant findings were recorded from this later excavation attempt. The barrow’s condition has remained relatively unchanged since then, although the site continues to hold archaeological and historical importance.
Two dry stone walls cross the barrow, meeting to the south-east of its summit. These walls are not included in the official scheduling of the monument, although the land beneath them remains protected. The presence of these walls, which cut across the mound, adds an additional layer of intrigue to the site, suggesting human activity and alteration of the landscape long after the barrow was first constructed.
Bowl barrows are the most common type of round barrow and are significant funerary monuments dating from the Late Neolithic period through to the Late Bronze Age. Most examples, including Yearn’s Low, date from around 2400 to 1500 BC. These barrows were typically constructed as earthen or rubble mounds, often surrounded by a ditch, and were used to cover single or multiple burials. They can be found either as isolated monuments or in groups forming cemeteries, and in many cases, continued to be used for burials in later periods.
Bowl barrows can vary greatly in size, form, and burial practices, with regional variations across Britain. While many bowl barrows appear similar at first glance, the differences in their structure and the burial rites within them offer significant insights into the diversity of beliefs and social organisations in early prehistoric communities. There are over 10,000 surviving bowl barrows recorded nationally, although many more have been destroyed over time. They are a prominent feature in the modern landscape, often occupying elevated and strategic positions, making them an important element of Britain’s historical heritage. Their ongoing presence and variation in form provide valuable information about early societies.
Yearn’s Low Bowl Barrow: A Key Monument in Cheshire
Yearn's Low, located near Rainow in Cheshire, is a rare example of a surviving bowl barrow that has been partially excavated but still remains in good condition. Despite some excavation efforts in the 19th and 20th centuries, which focused on the barrow's centre and a small area to the north, the monument has largely remained intact. Yearn’s Low is especially notable for its reuse during the Roman period, which sets it apart from many other bowl barrows. This reuse indicates that the site continued to hold significance even in later historical periods.
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