Could this seemingly ordinary mound of earth hold secrets from London’s distant past? This is the Tumulus. It is not just a pile of dirt. The Tumulus offers a glimpse into the lives of people who lived here thousands of years ago.
This ancient burial mound dates back to the Bronze Age. Imagine a time long before London existed as we know it. The Tumulus offers a tangible link to that era. Once called “Boadicea’s Tomb” that name lacks any real evidence.
The Tumulus is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It deserves our respect and protection. Excavations occurred here in the 1880s. Crude techniques were used and nothing was found.
Bronze Age burial mounds rarely stand alone. Other mounds may have existed here. They are now lost to time. A Late Bronze Age feature was found on Parliament Hill in 2017. This suggests a broader Bronze Age landscape. The Tumulus and Parliament Hill were part of it.
The Heath has a vast hidden history. Most of this landscape disappeared due to London’s expansion. The Tumulus is a reminder of what was lost.
Around 2400-1500 BC round barrows were funerary monuments. They were earthen mounds covering single or multiple burials. They were often grouped as cemeteries. They sometimes acted as a focus of burials in later periods. This part of London had a cluster of six burial mounds.
Three mounds formed a linear group. The remaining two may have formed a second group. The barrows sat at the ‘false horizon’. They could be seen silhouetted against the sky.
Maps from the mid-19th century show the barrow. It stood within the grounds of Tower House. A ring of trees surrounded it. Only some of those trees remain today. Before houses filled the area the Earls of Shrewsbury owned the land. Their mansion, Shrewsbury House, was replaced in 1923. It is now a library and community center. The surviving burial mound is now called Shrewsbury Tumulus. It got its name from the nearby mansion house.
There is a gate to get onto the Tumulus. The gate appears to have rusted shut. An interpretation panel notes the barrow has been partially excavated. This activity was not documented.
Tumuli served to honor and commemorate the deceased. Especially those of high status. They also reflected beliefs about the afterlife. These ancient structures offer insights into past civilizations. They show us their customs art and architecture.
Great Tumulus Tombs reflect power and cultural significance. They influence architecture art and tourism. They symbolize unity resilience and the enduring legacy of ancient cultures.
The Tumulus stands as a testament to the past. It invites us to contemplate the lives of those who came before us. Let us protect this ancient site. The Tumulus is an enduring connection to London’s Bronze Age heritage.