Ballowall Barrow

Penwith, United Kingdom

Ballowall Barrow is a prehistoric funerary cairn (chambered tomb) containing several phases of use from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age. It is situated on the cliff top at Ballowall Common, near St Just in Cornwall.

It was first excavated in 1878 by William Copeland Borlase, when it was discovered under mining debris. Reconstruction work which was done after the excavation to make the inside more accessible has further complicated the site. The site today is a confused mix of original and reconstructions introduced by Borlase. The finds from excavations are in stored in museums at Truro, Cambridge and the British Museum.

The construction of the site is unique in consisting of a combination of Neolithic and Bronze Age funerary rituals. A similar site was recorded by Borlase but its location has been lost.

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Details

Founded: 3500 - 2500 BCE
Category: Cemeteries, mausoleums and burial places in United Kingdom

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Karen Kennedy (11 months ago)
Beautiful walk easy paths to get up to- you can walk to Lands End on the Coastal Path if you want to- its 5+ 1/2miles - gorgeous views.!
Briga Honda (13 months ago)
Impressive how they build it on top of the cliff. There are places to park on the road.
Lynda Brown (15 months ago)
Fantastic neolithic site visited as part of a great day site seeing with Conrad of Kernow Tours. Highly recommended!
Ewan Baxter (2 years ago)
There is no entrance as such but at the front stones are protruding that act as steps to walk around on top of it. From there you could scramble down to the circular path inside, though no point as you can see it all from on top. Looking out to sea you can see the Silly Isles on the horizon. To the right is a good view of Cape Cornwall. Should you drive there be careful parking on the left of the road, ensure you don't reverse too far back, down the cliff.
Ian Beckly (4 years ago)
Stunning views, amazing sunsets, great walks. Also a Bronze age burial site to look & read about. Lovely spot to sit & relax.
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