EDO7856 - Thickthorn Down Long Barrow, Tarrant Hinton; geophysical survey 2021

The long barrow under survey at Thickthorn farm is located in a field not currently under active cultivation, instead covered by rough grass and thorn bushes. The barrow is visible as a low elongated mound and measured by Lidar as having the dimensions of 32m by 21m and measuring just under 1m in height. A gradiometer was used to perform the survery with reading being taken every 0.25m along a traverse and a traverse interval of 1m. Two linear anomalies (A and B) bracket the mound and most probably represent the original quarry ditches for the long barrow. Anomaly C is similar in size and location to B with both B and C having a combined length across the northern edge that is similar in length to that of A along the southern side. A noteworthy discontinuity in the southern ditch suggests more than one phase of construction. A long linear feature (D and E) toward the south of the mound is likely to be in continuation with anomaly F with these three representing a long linear ditch which diviates to pass the southern side of the barrow. Adjacent to F is a linear ditch (H) which is yet to be explained. The survey has helped to clarify the likely extent of the archaeological features associated with the mound.