The Normanton Down Barrows are a significant Bronze Age burial site in Wiltshire, England. Located near the iconic Stonehenge, this barrow cemetery is part of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site. The area consists of at least 40 burial mounds, mainly constructed between 2200 BC and 1600 BC, during the Early and Middle Bronze Age.
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Archaeological Significance
The barrows provide valuable insight into Bronze Age burial practices. Excavations have revealed that the mounds contained burials of individuals from high-ranking families. Grave goods such as pottery, tools, and gold ornaments were also found, showing the importance of these burials. Additionally, some barrows feature evidence of cremation and inhumation, reflecting changing funerary customs over time.
Types of Barrows
The barrows at Normanton Down vary in type. Most are round barrows, with a few bowl barrows, bell barrows, and disc barrows. The different types likely represent the social status of the individuals buried within them. Bell barrows, for example, are associated with higher-status burials, often containing more elaborate grave goods.
Excavations and Discoveries
William Cunnington, an early 19th-century archaeologist, conducted one of the first systematic excavations at Normanton Down. His work led to the discovery of the famous Bush Barrow, one of the most important burials in the cemetery. The burial included a gold lozenge, a bronze dagger, and a macehead, all of which pointed to the individual’s high status. The gold lozenge, in particular, is one of the finest examples of early Bronze Age metalwork in Britain.
Later excavations by other archaeologists have revealed additional burials and artifacts. These finds have contributed to our understanding of Bronze Age social structure and ritual practices in the region.
Relationship to Stonehenge
The Normanton Down Barrows are closely connected to Stonehenge, both geographically and culturally. The proximity to Stonehenge suggests that the site held special significance for the local population. Some researchers believe that the placement of the barrows was deliberate, possibly indicating the deceased’s relationship to the monument. Furthermore, the alignment of some barrows with the solstice axis of Stonehenge hints at a shared ritual or cosmological importance between the two sites.
Preservation and Conservation
Today, the Normanton Down Barrows are part of a larger effort to preserve the Stonehenge landscape. The site is managed by the National Trust, with ongoing conservation efforts to protect the mounds from erosion and damage. Visitors can view the barrows from designated paths, ensuring that the site remains undisturbed for future research.
Conclusion
The Normanton Down Barrows offer a crucial glimpse into Bronze Age life and death in southern Britain. Through the burials and artifacts, archaeologists have gained valuable knowledge about the social hierarchy, funerary customs, and craftsmanship of the time. The connection to Stonehenge only adds to the site’s historical significance, making it a key component of the Stonehenge World Heritage landscape.
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