Monument record MDO3877 - Longbury or Slaughter Barrow, Gillingham

A long barrow oriented east – west and situated to the north of Bainly Bottom. In 1972 this monument was described as being an earthwork around 130 long, with the mound about 40 feet wide and 6½ feet high at its highest point. Antiquarian investigation of this barrow in 1802 revealed several skeletons, thought to be primary burials. Excavation in 1855 found more skeletons, interpreted as later intrusive burials. A small excavation in 1951-2 revealed little, but in 1953 part of another skeleton, also thought to be a later burial, was found in the mound.

A grass covered long barrow orientated east-west which has been extensively mutilated. It is 40.0m long and averages 13.0m in width, and is approximately 1.4m in height throughout. 6.0m from the east end a V-shaped trench has been dug across the mound from north to south, this trench is 3.5m wide at the top and does not go below the natural surface; it shows the composition of the mound to be a mixture of earth and small stone slabs. There are four other depressions along the top of the mound, and the west end has been almost destroyed for 9.0m by a silage pit, the upcast from which has been thrown to the north. There are no visible side ditches. <3> Longbury or Slaughter Barrow. A long barrow aligned east-west, and measuring 130ft long, 40ft wide and 6 1/2ft high. In 1802 the barrow was opened, when several skeletons, perhaps primary burials, were found on the original ground level. In 1855 it was again opened at the east end when several skeletons were found, perhaps secondary or intrusive, and fragments of "some very rude earthen vessel". A small excavation by T Porter in 1951-2 produced no significant results. In 1953 part of a seconday or intrusive skeleton was found in the upper part of the mound. <5> <7> ST 78752723. 'Longbury' (name in local use). No change except the silage pit at the west end has now been levelled, and the material spread to the north and south at this point. This has resulted in the long barrow being reduced to an apparent length of 36.0m; it remains under grass. 1:2500 AM revised. <6>

Record last edited

Apr 10 2024 11:53AM