Chains Barrow

Heritage SIte in Somerset Somerset West and Taunton

England

Chains Barrow

Farm access bridge on River Barle Credit: Roger Cornfoot

Chains Barrow, located in Somerset, England, is a prominent heritage site with deep historical significance. Situated on a hilltop near the village of Priddy, Chains Barrow is an ancient burial mound dating back to the Neolithic period, around 4000-2500 BC.

The barrow itself is a large circular mound, approximately 35 meters in diameter and 3 meters high. It is constructed from earth and stone, creating a distinctive landmark in the surrounding landscape. The name "Chains" is derived from the Old English word "cēap," meaning market, suggesting that the site might have had economic or social importance in the past.

Excavations carried out in the early 20th century revealed the presence of a burial chamber within the barrow. Unfortunately, these excavations were not conducted with modern archaeological methods, resulting in limited information about the site's contents. However, it is believed that Chains Barrow was used as a communal burial site, possibly for a local elite or important individuals within the community.

Today, Chains Barrow is a protected heritage site under the care of the National Trust. It attracts visitors interested in the region's ancient history and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The site is easily accessible via footpaths, and interpretation panels provide information about its historical significance.

Chains Barrow is not only a remarkable archaeological site but also a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Somerset. Its ancient origins and enduring presence make it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

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Chains Barrow Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.162347/-3.8111017 or Grid Reference SS7341. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Farm access bridge on River Barle

Roger Cornfoot

Exmoor: bridleway to Moleâs Chamber

The bridleway joins the B3358 road to Simonsbath near the former's crossing of the River Barle

Martin Bodman

Exmoor: Woodbarrow Gate

Seen from the top of the Bronze Age Wood Barrow. Here the Tarka Trail comes up from the south – to the right – and turns sharply east, heading for Pinkworthy Pond and Exe Head, where it turns north again. The paths on this part of the moor are not always well defined and tend to be a bit boggy in places. Looking east towards The Chains, where a cloudburst in 1952 created the Lynmouth disaster

Martin Bodman

Exmoor: Wood Barrow

A Bronze Age barrow standing 480m above sea level at a point where the Tarka Trail turns east, having run north from the B3358. Bog asphodel grows nearby the barrow

Martin Bodman

Exmoor: Pinkworthy Pond

Known locally as Pinkery Pond, it was created for landowner John Knight in about 1830, by damming the headwaters of the river Barle. Knight, an ironmaster from Worcestershire, bought the mineral rights to the Forest of Exmoor from the Crown in 1818. It is thought the pond formed part of an aborted engineering project in which it would supply a canal or leat to power a large waterwheel planned for a site nearer Simonsbath. The wheel was to assist the operation of an inclined railway carrying iron ore from Exmoor to Porlock Weir. Neither the canal nor the railway were ever built. John Knight retired to Rome and Frederick, his son, continued to build farms on the moor and improve the land

Martin Bodman

Exmoor: near Pinkery Farm

Pinkery Farm – out of shot, left – is now an exploration centre. Ahead is Goat Hill; looking south down the Barle valley

Martin Bodman

Hoar Oak Tree

The first recorded Hoar Oak Tree died 'of great age and rottenness'in the seventeenth century. Ever since then, a new tree has been planted at the death of the old.

Grant Sherman

The Tarka Trail fords Hoaroak Water

The Tarka Trail continues over the ford and up the Chains Valley towards Exe Head. Hoaroak Water turns right along Long Chains Combe.

Grant Sherman

The Gate at Exe Head

A meeting of footpaths. The view is from the North where the Tarka Trail and Two Moors Way arrive from Lynmouth. The Macmillan Way West arrives from the left (East) and heads right, following the route of the Tarka Trail for a mile and a half.

Grant Sherman

Chains Barrow

At 487m, the Chains is one of the highest points in this part of Exmoor

Grant Sherman

Pinkery Farm

Patrick Mackie

Short Combe Combe

Looking down the Barle valley, here called Short Combe Combe, from the private road to Pinkery Farm.

Rupert Fleetingly

River Barle

Looking upstream from Goat Hill Bridge

Rupert Fleetingly

Barle Valley

looking up the Barle valley from the path to Pinkery Pond.

Rupert Fleetingly

Wind Turbine, Pinkery Farm

Rupert Fleetingly

Exe Head

This is the source of one of the South West's great Rivers, The Exe. Standing by the gate in Grant Shermans' picture the trickle starts in the gulley on the left. Tarka Trail- Two Moors Way on the right. This water enters the English Channel at Exeter/Exmouth some 42 miles as the crow flies or 58 meandering.

Roger Gittins