by Littlestone.
The Bartlow Hills in the 18th century
“Bartlow Hills was originally the largest group of Roman barrows in northern Europe and includes the highest burial mound in Britain.” (Source Cambridgeshire Rural Strategy).
The above engraving shows how the Bartlow Hills looked in the 18th century. The photograph below, taken in 2008, shows how the Hills look today. Those responsible for the care and protection of these unique structures do not seem to be attending to their responsibilities – at least in respect to keeping the structures clear of intrusive tree cover, or of providing the public with clear directions to locate the structures in the first place.
The Bartlow Hills today. Image credit Littlestone
4 comments
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08/02/2011 at 22:30
billboyheritagesurvey
A recent visit shows no great change http://www.flickr.com/photos/bblakecambridge/sets/72157625850746887/
09/02/2011 at 09:30
heritageaction
Thanks for the update and link to your excellent photos; we’d be happy to feature one or two on the Journal, plus any short write-up you might like to make.
Regards, the Journal team.
29/05/2011 at 16:20
Barry
Having recently stumbled across these impressive barrows whilst out walking my dogs, I am amazed they are so undervalued locally and seemingly unknown to residents of the local towns and villages. It’s such a fantastic site it really should be clearly sign posted and promoted as a site of national importance.
29/05/2011 at 16:39
heritageaction
We couldn’t agree with you more Barry; the Hills are important and spectacular structures, sorely in need of a great deal more tlc and far better signage – in fact, *any* signage would be a help! Two of our members drove round for half an hour trying to find the place so, for anyone planning to visit the Hills, park as close to the church as possible and follow the left-hand path through the graveyard and along a very narrow footpath for ten minutes or so.