EWX710 - St. Catherine's Hill, Christchurch; Excavation of the northernmost Barrow

Excavations on the northernmost round barrow on St. Catherine's Hill, Christchurch were directed by WG Wallace during August 1921. This excavation occurred in conjuction with that of the site of St.Catherine's chapel. The barrow had been described as a watch tower on OS maps. It measured 35 feet in diameter and 2.5 feet high with no surrounding ditch. its position overlooks the Avon valley. A trench 4ft wide and 24ft long was later enlarged to 9ft x 9ft at the centre of the barrow. The trench was cut from the centre southwards and the soil removed in spits. An urn was found inverted at a depth of 6 inches and 4ft south south of the presumed centre. It was nearly intact and of the 'overhanging rim' type. The mass of soil and burnt bones contained within were left untouched lest the urn should collapse on their removal. Two flint flakes were also found on the gravel surface at the base of the barrow, nearly below where the urn was found. (1)