More information : (TM 02678781) Vikings Mound (NAT) Tumulus (NR). (1)
Tumulus of bowl type, 93ft diameter and 10ft high, very steep
with flat top. Cut into on S and SE sides, and no sign of a ditch. (2)
An imposing mound with surrounding ditch situated on a sloping spur, overlooking a river crossing, and now covered with undergrowth and trees, including an oak in excess of 300 years old. The mound has a maximum overall diameter of 20.0m and a height, above the ditch bottom, of 3.3m; the flat top, at its widest point is 13.0m in diameter, and shows no evidence of a former structure. The surrounding ditch is of impressive proportions, having a base width of up to 8.0m and a depth to the north west of 1.3m; owing to the natural slope this is reduced in the southeast quadrant to 0.4m; the ditch is broken by a causeway to the north-east 3.0m wide.
The topographical situation, method of construction, and general appearance suggest this could be a castle mound. No reference to it could be found in the County Library, and it is not shown on early maps in the County Record Office. The name 'Viking Mound' is still in local use.
The County Archaeology Unit say that this is the traditional site of Boadicea's burial. They suggest it might be a barrow later used as a mill mound, but there is no evidence to support this.
Surveyed at 1:2500. (3) |