Lew mound

Has been described as a Rejected Timber Castle (Motte)

There are earthwork remains

NameLew mound
Alternative Names
Historic CountryBerkshire
Modern AuthorityOxfordshire
1974 AuthorityOxfordshire
Civil ParishLew

Barrow lies on a small round hill and is visible from all directions. Measures 30m in dia and up to 2.8m high. Slightly irregular profile due to animal disturbance and natural erosion. No sign of ditch. The mound measures 30m in diameter and stands up to 2.8m high. It is constructed of stone, collected from the local area, and turf. Its profile is now slightly irregular due to limited disturbance by burrowing animals and natural erosion over time. There is no evidence of a ditch around the mound itself; this is a common feature of hlaews in the county. The 1830 edition of the Ordnance Survey map shows that the small ditched enclosure in which the barrow stands was then known as Barrow Grove. Site appears to be artificial mound of roughly similar dimensions to above. Biggest threat is from rabbit warrens. No artefacts visible on surface. Traces of ditch visible, but enclosed area. Very small for bailey; ditch more likely an old field boundary or drainage ditch. Lew means '(at the) tumulus', V.hlaew (under hlaw). Classified as Saxon hlaew for MPP. Originally classified/scheduled as castle mound. Later interpreted as bell barrow or slumped bowl barrow. (Oxfordshire HER)

Even given that Lew is probably a much reduced village the site is isolated and very unlikely as a manorial centre.

This site is a scheduled monument protected by law

Not Listed

Historic England (PastScape) Defra or Monument number(s)
County Historic Environment Record
OS Map Grid ReferenceSP318063
Latitude51.7548294067383
Longitude-1.53926002979279
Eastings431890
Northings206340
HyperLink HyperLink HyperLink

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Books

  • Potts, W., 1907, in Page, Wm (ed), 'Ancient Earthworks' VCH Oxfordshire Vol. 2 p. 346 online transcription