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Archaeology, Sites to See

Therfield Heath Barrow Cemetry

Therfield Heath barrow cemetery comprises one long barrow and twelve round barrows. The long barrow is of Neolithic (New Stone Age) date - c.4000-c.2300 B.C. - and the round barrows of Bronze Age date - c.2300-c.750 B.C. These burial mounds usually contain the ashes of a single cremation, often in a pottery vessel, and sometimes accompanied by objects intended for use in the next world. Many of the Therfield barrows have been excavated, and burials of this type were found. Some also contained evidence that the mounds were re-used for pagan burial in the early to middle Anglo-Saxon period (A.D. c.410-870). Further information is available at the site.

Follow Baldock St/Baldock Rd (old A505) west out of Royston for about 1¼ miles, and turn south along Therfield Rd for about 225 yards. The barrows can be seen on the skyline on the east side of the road, and lie about 450 yards from it. TL 341 402.

Map showing Therfield Heath Barrow Cemetry