Reinterpreting the Priddy Long Barrow, Mendip Hills, Somerset. (UBSS Proceedings v.22(3))

Abstract: The Priddy Long Barrow was partially excavated by UBSS in 1928, the first long barrow excavation to be undertaken by the Society. A very short report detailing some of the findings was published by Phillips and taylor in 1972 (with editor's comments), when it was suggested to be an artificial mound containing human bone of Late Neolithic date. Few other conclusions were drawn but intriguing details suggested that this was a complex monument, worthy of re-analysis. This paper details the results of an examination of the site archive and offers a new interpretation of the monument. It is argued that the Priddy long barrow is a non-megalithic long barrow dating to the Early Neolithic period. At least four phases of activity and construction are suggested. new information on the finds, destroyed during World War II, is also given amd new plans presented.