Wednesday, 31 August 2011
A Local Landmark
How had I never noticed it on the map before? But there it was clearly marked and only a mile from my back gate. It had been a day of sunshine and downpours but the situation had to be remedied; I had to go and find it, if indeed it still could be seen.
I pedalled off down Bury Lane, once a road but now a leafy track. I paused only to sample the wild blackberries.
The sky was growing darker and I was glad I'd got my waterproof jacket with me. What sort of idiot messes about taking photos when he's clearly going to get soaked in a few minutes?
The wind got up and blew me on my way. I felt a few spots of rain but thankfully it skirted around and I found what I was looking for.
OK, it's not that impressive to look at, I know. But that low mound is a prehistoric burial chamber. It's probably Bronze Age which means it dates from around 2000 BC. Yes, that means it's been here for 4,000 years. The view must have been a lot different in those days but they would certainly have been able to see for a long way from up here.
As I turned to go a rainbow appeared among the departing dark clouds.
Take care.
Always good to find a new 'local' spot John! It is surprising how many hidden gems there are around us that we never notice until doing an in depth search on a map/google! A great find for you and I am so pleased that you did not get a soaking! Lovely images especially the rainbow.
ReplyDeleteI'm also the kind of idiot that messes around taking photos when it's about to rain!
ReplyDeleteI think there is always something you can discover or learn about your local area, it's amazing the things you miss sometimes! I recently photographed a stone circle near me that is the same age as your mound (Arbor Low for my August scavenger hunt post). There's a 6000 year old mound nearby too. As you say, they don't make the best photographs but the history is fascinating!
What and exciting adventure and discovery John! And to top it off with a rainbow , quite dramatic! It is thrilling to imagine this setting 4000 years ago, and what the people saw and felt. Wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteI have just found your through Morning Minions blog ....I love your photos and trips....and enthusiasm ....I also love Cambridge and have many happy memories of the Folk Festival ...16th to about the 23rd ...during my thirties when I was reliving my youth. lol i look forward to dropping by to have a read.
ReplyDeleteWe have burial mounds, too, but they're not nearly as old. Ours would be contemporary with the European Middle Ages, I believe. But then, didn't the Vikings do some burial mounds, as well? Many of ours have been destroyed, often to make the site suitable for row crops. Jim
ReplyDeleteOne of the best reasons to blog is to take more notice of what's in your own area...as well as that which is afar. A rainbow seems like a fitting ending to this post.
ReplyDeleteNot impressive to look at John? I think it is absolutely wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAnother example of how we need to have our wits about us all the time - looking at that mound you might not guess it was anything special, but once you know, well, it would be impossible not to be slightly awed by that. Those storm clouds are pretty awesome too.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for taking the trouble to comment on my little adventure - one mile down a trck and 4000 years into the past.
ReplyDeleteAngie, welcome to "By Stargoose And Hanglands", eloquent folkies are always welcome!
Are these old mounds ever excavated or do they otherwise know what might be in them??
ReplyDeleteJohn, your stories and photographs are well worth a visit. Thanks for your good work and thanks for your occasional visits to HDP.
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