Monument record 1523 - Bronze Age round barrow, Cess Banks

Site of Bronze Age round barrow. A small tumulus at a place near Clulow Cross called Cess banks was investigated in the 19th century by the Macclesfield Scientific Society and found to contain a Celtic urn-burial (1). The mound is 15m diam and 1m high and is not very distinct. The area has been severely quarried away in the E, NE & W. The mound was excavated in 1875 by T J Smith & the finds included an inurned cremation, a partly calcined flint chipping, charcoal, a sling stone & a possible arrowhead. There is also reference to a baked hearth. The urn has a cord decorated herringbone pattern at the top & is 8ins high x 8ins max width. The excavation was probably responsible for the quarried or disturbed appearance of the mound and the dimensions are approximate. A recent dogs grave is situated near the summit of the mound (2). VCH report the site as a cairn with irregular circle of grass covered stones and give grid ref SJ 958681 (3). Cursory examination in 1988 failed to identify a barrow at SJ 95836816. Possibly a disturbed natural knoll with the modern grave being the only feature (4). OS give grid ref SJ 95936816 (5).

<1> Sainter J D, 1878, Scientific Rambles Round Macclesfield, /148 1878 (Book). SCH2964.

<2> Longley D, 1977-1978, Longley Archive, /no.42 (Paper Archive). SCH2005.

<3> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, 1/85 (c) Longley D 1987 (Book). SCH3556.

<4> Barnatt J, 1989, Peak District Barrow Survey, /22:16 (Unpublished Report). SCH2591.

<5> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ96NE2/1964 (Index). SCH2487.

<6> Anon, various, Minutes of the Macclesfield Scientific Society, p.37-38 (Book). SCH2198.