The tumulus just off Long Grove is the oldest historical feature in Baughurst. This ancient monument is one of five (or more) Bronze Age round barrows (3,000 years old) which range from Long Grove towards Brimpton Common. These relics of the Ancient Britons consist of Burial Chambers covered by mounds of earth. These mounds were excavated in 1890 but nothing was found inside, so were probably plundered soon after they were erected.
They are in poor shape due to a footpath which goes around the southern perimeter but people have always walked in a straight line (roughly west to east) which went through the centre of the mound. Another reason is that children from around the 1950s rode bicycles on the same line across the circumferential ditch and mound. There are also trees growing on parts of the mound.
A few years ago, the council considered restoring the feature and fencing it off (we felt it should be respected), but at the time it was too expensive and English Heritage (the owners/guardians) were not interested. Another obstacle was that the northern half of this mound is in Wasing Parish.

The Borson Barrows, also known as the Brimpton Common Barrow Cemetery or Baughurst Barrows, is a notable Bronze Age barrow cemetery located in Berkshire, England. Here’s a bit of what we know:
- Historical Significance: This site is believed to date back to the Bronze Age and comprises several different types of burial mounds, including bell and bowl barrows.
- Site Layout: There are at least six well-documented barrows within the cemetery. These include both intact and partially damaged barrows.
- Excavations: Some of these barrows have been excavated since the 18th century, providing valuable insights into the burial practices and artefacts from the Bronze Age.
- Current Condition: Despite the passage of time, some of the barrows remain largely intact and can be visited today. They are considered significant archaeological and historical sites.

The Baughurst Barrows appeared on the Ordnance Survey map of 1808 and can be seen clearly on the attached image.

They were also recorded in the Berkshire Archaeological Society Journal of 1936.

Grinsell described them following a visit in 1931 as ‘a group of queer circular mounds which look like barrows although no interments were found in the first two examples opened by Greenwell… The group has been known as “Baughurst Barrows” or “Borson Barrows”. Most if not all of the barrows in this group have been surrounded by tree-rings. There are two or more possible bell-barrows among the group. Grinsell gives the co-ordinates of only five mounds.
JJ Wymer carried out a visit to the cemetery in 1957 to ‘verify the safety of the mounds’, and recorded that Grinsell’s five barrows were easily found, none being in danger. Wymer’s sketch plan however also noted the existence of a sixth possible bowl barrow half under the plough.






One response to “Baughurst or Borson Barrows”
-
This is really interesting! It’d be great to have a sign put together on Long Grove and make more of the entrance to where they are.
Comments posted on the web site
Go to page to view.
Well done all concerned! The orchard looks fabulous!
Hi Melanie, we intend to meet and start work at 11am on the 8th, weather permitting. See you there!
Hi Darren, Weather permitting we intend to start at 11 am, See you there!
Hello all involved. My son and I live in Long Grove and would love to be involved on the 8th…
Can the excellent slides from the Baughurst Society meeting 14/1/25 be added to this page. They were excellent, informative and…
Leave a Reply