Bartlow Hills, Roman burial mounds in Bartlow, England
Bartlow Hills is a Romano-British burial ground in Cambridgeshire containing four surviving earth mounds. The largest of these tumuli stands at roughly 15 meters high and forms the centerpiece of this ancient cemetery.
The site was created during Roman times as a burial place for affluent residents of the region. Excavations in the 1800s uncovered cremated remains in glass vessels, bronze items, and pottery within walled graves.
The site shows how Romano-British communities honored their dead by building these large mounds as lasting monuments to prominent members. Visitors can see how grave goods like pottery and bronze items were placed alongside the cremated remains as offerings.
Three of the four mounds are open for public viewing, though the northernmost one sits on private land. The location is rural with access via farm tracks, so wear appropriate footwear and check local conditions before visiting.
The central mound holds the distinction of being the tallest Roman burial monument discovered anywhere north of the Alps. This remarkable size reflects the importance of this cemetery in the wider Romano-British world.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
