Monument record 1569 - Brock Low Tumulus

<1> Sainter J D, 1878, Scientific Rambles Round Macclesfield, p.16 (Book). SCH2964.

The tumulus named Brock Low lies further south, and has in a field to the right of the Lamin Load Farm. It appears to be chiefly composed of drift sand, gravel and small pebbles. It is the largest specimen in this part of the country, and has not been properly explored. It was 465ft in circumference and 24ft high.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ 97 SE 1 (Index). SCH2487.

Brock Low tumulus situtated in a field to the right of the Lamin Load farm. [B.R.S. 18/09/1962].
A natural sandhill, partly quarried away for its sand. [White J.H. 23/04/1964].

<3> Longley D, 1977-1978, Longley Archive, no.30 (Paper Archive). SCH2005.

The mound is approximately 50 metres in diameter and 2.6 metres high. It is situated in rough pasture on a shoulder 1100 feet above sea level overlooking a valley. The mound is composed of sand and the centre has been quarried. There is no trace of a ditch. There are no reported finds. It is probably natural. Includes plan and cross sections.

<4> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, p.84 (Book). SCH3556.

Brock Low: round earthen mound, partially quarried.

<5> Rowley G 1982, 1982, Macclesfield in Prehistory, p.19 (Book). SCH2062.

<6> Barnatt J, 1989, Peak District Barrow Survey, 22:14 (Unpublished Report). SCH2591.

This massive mound has been extensively robbed in its interior with a ramp entering this from the north-west. The rim is 1.8-2.5 metres high. A wall crosses the eastern half. If a barrow, its large size is unique and unlikely given the isolated location in poor quality land, with no large prehistoric population likely in the region. Small areas of erosion show it is composed of sand and rounded pebbles - it is likely to be a glacial feature. However, the possibility that it was mistaken for a barrow in prehistory and thus contains secondary burials, should not be ignored. Record notes a large plan.

<7> Oxford Archaeology North, 2005, Millbrook Boreholes to Lamaload Reservoir, Peak District National Park, p.31 no.23 (Client Report). SCH4711.

Possible round barrow. In 1878 it was 465ft in circumference and 24ft high. It is variously described as a natural mound or a barrow, although it has evidently been partially quarried away.

<8> Environment Agency, 2003-2020, Environment Agency LiDAR Surveys, Composite DSM 1m 2020 (Digital Archive). SCH7819.

<9> English Heritage, 1990-1993, Monuments Protection Programme Site Visit Form, Robinson K.D., 16/02/1993 (Unpublished Document). SCH5222.

Reason for not scheduling: Site described as a possible round mound by SMR. It comprises large mound 40-50m in diameter and 3m high partly quarried away. OS and Peak District Barrow Survey suggest this site is a natural feature.

MPP site visit took place on 29-01-1993. Site found to lie on a local high point. The interior has been almost completely removed by quarrying and spoil from this activity has been dumped around the edges giving a barrow-like appearance from a distance. In view of the damage to the site and the lack of conclusive proof that it is a barrow scheduling is not considered an appropriate course of action.