Three Lords' Barrow

Heritage Site in Dorset

England

Three Lords' Barrow

Pasture beside the railway Looking towards Stoborough Heath, viewed from a Swanage to Wareham train service. — Pasture beside the railway Credit: John Lucas

Three Lords' Barrow is a significant heritage site located in Dorset, England. Situated on a hilltop near the village of Winterborne Kingston, this ancient burial mound dates back to the Bronze Age, approximately 4,000 years ago. The barrow is named after the three Anglo-Saxon lords who were reputedly buried here.

The site is composed of a large circular mound, measuring approximately 35 meters in diameter and 3 meters in height. The mound is surrounded by a shallow ditch, which was likely dug during its construction. The barrow is constructed using earth and stone, with the stones possibly sourced from a nearby quarry.

Excavations carried out in the 19th century revealed a burial chamber within the mound. Unfortunately, the chamber has since collapsed, but the remnants of the entrance passage can still be observed. The chamber is believed to have contained the remains of the three lords, along with grave goods such as pottery and personal possessions.

Three Lords' Barrow is an important archaeological site, providing valuable insights into the burial practices and social structure of the Bronze Age inhabitants of the region. It is also a popular attraction for visitors, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The site is managed and maintained by the local authorities, who have installed information boards to provide visitors with historical context and details about the site. Access to the barrow is free and unrestricted, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate this ancient monument.

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Three Lords' Barrow Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.66/-2.12 or Grid Reference SY9184. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pasture beside the railway

Looking towards Stoborough Heath, viewed from a Swanage to Wareham train service.

John Lucas

Old Milestone by the A351, south of Stoborough Green

Carved stone post by the A351, in parish of ARNE (PURBECK District), by bus stop and path to Blue Pool, opposite sign 'RVP No 5' at entrance to Hartland Nature reserve, on West side of road. Dorset 2 (limestone), erected by the Wareham (North, South & West Branches) turnpike trust in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- II MILES FROM WAREHAM Carved benchmark bottom centre of front face. Grade II Listed. List Entry Number:1120342 Link

Milestone Society National ID: DO_WASW02

Derek Tylden-Pattenson

East Holme, gate

At the boundary of the MoD military training area. Apart from MoD warning signs, there are notices about forestry operations.

Mike Faherty

You can go no further

Unless you wish to trespass on military land at East Holme Ranges.

Jonathan Billinger

Lookout Holiday Park, Stoborough, Wareham, Dorset

One of the many caravan parks catering for the multitude of summer visitors to the Isle of Purbeck.

John Lamper

Springfield Country Hotel and Leisure Club, Wareham, Dorset

Link

John Lamper

Railway Bridge, Creech Bottom, Dorset

The bridge carries the section of the line used by trains carrying Liquefied Petroleum Gas from the BP terminal at Furzebrook. On average eleven trains a week arrive at Furzebrook where they are loaded with butane and propane destined for BP's distribution terminal at Avonmouth. On 3rd January 2002 the remaining track was re-laid at Norden to connect with this section, re-establishing the rail link between Swanage and the main line that was closed in 1972. Link

John Lamper

Railway Crossing, Creech Bottom, Dorset

The Purbeck Way crosses the railway line at this point. This section of the line is used by trains carrying Liquefied Petroleum Gas from the BP terminal at Furzebrook. On average eleven trains a week arrive at Furzebrook where they are loaded with butane and propane destined for BP's distribution terminal at Avonmouth. On 3rd January 2002 the remaining track was re-laid at Norden to connect with this section, re-establishing the rail link between Swanage and the main line that was closed in 1972. Link

John Lamper

Holme Lane Plantation

The undergrowth here has been cleared recently, probably of rhododendrons judging from nearby areas that have not been cleared.

David Squire

Disused Clay Workings

The former clay workings here are flooded.

David Squire

Quarry Access Road

Looking north west from the point where the road is crossed by a permissive path. The surface, if not the road itself, is very new.

David Squire

Clay Pit near Dorey's Farm

Clay has been extracted in this area for hundreds of years. Extensive Roman era kilns have recently been uncovered near Swineham Point and Josiah Wedgwood apparently sourced his clay from this area as well. Clay extraction continues now with modern methods. Note the colours of the exposed strata and the patterns made by the scoops.

David Squire

Bridewell Plantation

A clearing viewed looking north east from the permissive path running through the wood.

David Squire

Grange Heath

This picture shows the north east corner of this national nature reserve comprising lowland heathland managed by the RSPB. Note the stile at the extreme right which comprises two upright logs. The wood is the southern edge of Bridewell Plantation.

David Squire