Asthall Barrow: an Anglo-Saxon burial mound 100m SSW of Barrow Farm

Asthall Barrow is an Anglo-Saxon burial mound located about 100 meters southwest of Barrow Farm. The mound rises around 2.4 meters high and spans roughly 17 meters across, with a dry stone wall built around its base to mark its boundary.

This mound was created in the 7th century as an important burial monument of Anglo-Saxon times. Excavations in 1923 and 1924 by George Bowles and Edward Thurlow Leeds uncovered not only Anglo-Saxon artifacts but also revealed older Roman-British pottery beneath the mound.

The mound served as a burial place for a wealthy person from early Anglo-Saxon times. The grave goods found here, including a bottle from Frankish lands and a silver bowl, reveal the high rank of the person buried within.

The site sits near the A40 road connecting Witney and Burford and remains accessible for visits. The ground is uneven with surrounding grassland, so wear appropriate footwear and take care when walking around.

Between 2009 and 2017, the monument underwent careful conservation to remove tree growth and repair rabbit damage. These restoration efforts have helped protect this Anglo-Saxon site for future visitors and researchers.

Location: Asthall

GPS coordinates: 51.78883,-1.58087

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:06