SDO19805 - Geophysics Survey of Three Long Barrows and a Long Mortuary Enclosure near the Dorset Cursus

Geophysical surveys were undertaken at three sites close to the Dorset Cursus. South of the Pentridge terminal of the cursus, survey of a probable Neolithic long mortuary enclosure revealed detailed information about the character of the ditch and entrances, and has allowed comparison with a similar example located just two kilometres to the east. The ditch plan of an adjacent small long barrow was clarified during the same survey. Just to the south, survey next to a large well preserved Neolithic long barrow, Pentridge 20, revealed the exact location of the ditch flanking the mound, showing that the ditch did not follow the edge of the tapering mound, instead being parallel to the main axis of the mound. Finally, seven kilometres to the south-west, survey of a long barrow on Gussage Down (Gussage St Michael 14) provided a clear plan of slightly curving ditches flanking the mound. This latter survey was also able to disprove a theory about the possible presence of a cursus terminal at this location, as well as revealing a gap in the cursus ditch with associated features.