Details

The monument includes the earthwork remains of a Bronze Age round cairn situated on the summit of Rasett Hill with views in all directions. The cairn measures approximately 20m in diameter and 1.5m in height and is built from earth and stone. A partial excavation of the cairn in 1866 by Greenwell found the cremated remains of an adult placed in a heap 0.3m across.

SOURCES
PastScape Monument No:- 14698
NMR:- NY70NW1
Cumbria HER:- 2019

Source: Historic England

Reasons for Scheduling

Round cairns are prehistoric funerary monuments dating to the Bronze Age (c.2000-700 BC). They were constructed as stone mounds covering single or multiple burials. These burials may be placed within the mound in stone-lined compartments called cists. In some cases the cairn was surrounded by a ditch. Often occupying prominent locations, cairns are a major visual element in the modern landscape. They are a relatively common feature of the uplands and are the stone equivalent of the earthen round barrows of the lowlands. Their considerable variation in form and longevity as a monument type provide important information on the diversity of beliefs and social organisation amongst early prehistoric communities. They are particularly representative of their period and a substantial proportion of surviving examples are considered worthy of protection.
Despite partial early excavation, the round cairn on the summit of Rasett Hill is well-preserved and its form and prominent landscape setting make it a good example. Partial excavation of the cairn has revealed it to be a funerary monument with archaeological deposits relating to its construction and use. The monument is representative of its period and provides insight into the funerary rituals of the Bronze Age period.

Source: Historic England