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Megalithic Poems
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Littlestone
Littlestone
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Edited Jun 19, 2010, 15:19
Hatfield Barrow: James Norris
Jun 19, 2010, 13:45
Not a poem, put another beautiful piece of prose from the 18th century concerning Hatfield Barrow - perhaps of interest in light of the upcoming dig about to begin there.

"... near the village of Marden, is a remarkable tumulus called Hatfield-barrow; the only work of the kind, I believe, to be found in this lowland vale, although so very frequent on the elevated downs on both sides. It stands in an enclosure, and is above the usual size, and nearly hemispherical; it is surrounded by a broad circular intrenchment, which, from being constantly supplied with water by innate springs, forms a sort of moat, which does not become dry even in the midst of summer; a circumstance I have never found attending any other barrow. In this water ditch, the Menyanthese trifoliata or bogbean, plentifully grows: a plant which I have not seen elsewhere in that neighbourhood. The whole of the barrow is at present ploughed over, and is said to be more fertile than the surrounding field. I have seen it clothed with wheat ready for the sickle; when the richness of colour, and the beautiful undulations of the corn, formed an object as pleasing as it was uncommon."

From part of a letter written by James Norris Esq and dated 9 February 1798. Thanks to Rhiannon for her TMA entries on Marden Henge and Hatfield Barrow, and to Moss for her info on the six-week dig starting close to the village on June 28. More here.
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