Case Studies

Wardbrook Farm Prehistoric Cist – July 2024

About the Monument

This monument consists of a Bronze Age cist situated near other broadly contemporary funerary monuments, some also including cists, and close to extensive prehistoric field systems and settlements.

The cist is visible as a rectangular setting of edge-set slabs, well-embedded in the thick peaty turf, forming a box-like arrangement measuring internally 0.8m by 0.5m.

Why were the repairs needed?

The Cist is included on the Heritage at Risk Register, with the main risk recorded as ‘flooding with a declining trend’ due to the marshy gully to the north which has previously led to subsidence. The disappearance of the eastern slab indicates that this is an ongoing problem.

However, the principal threat to the extant slabs is the proximity of the post and wire fence which cuts across the north side of the cist.

This monument, though small, is an extremely clear example of a burial cist, which until damaged by the fencing, was probably very well preserved. The cist may well contain intact deposits associated with burial in the Bronze Age and as such it is of the greatest importance.

What repairs were carried out?

Removal of fence post within the Cist:

Removing turf to re-expose the eastern cist slab:

Following the removal of the fencepost, the top layer of turf was peeled back in order to reveal the slab forming the North-eastern side of the cist and establish how this has been affected by the fence and subsidence into the adjacent marshy gully. This allowed a plan to be made of the entire cist, as it survives at ground level .

Finally, after the monument had been archaeologically recorded, the turf which had been removed was re-laid in its previous position.

What’s Next?

Volunteers will continue to monitor the condition of the cist and the fencing in the future, feeding back any concerns or issues to the Historic England Heritage at Risk Officer.

Furthermore, the Monumental Improvement project will be creating digital interpretation for the monument which will allow people who are unable to access the site to experience it.

Unearthed Finds

Excitingly, one of the volunteers who supported the repairs found what could possibly be a piece of pottery from the original funerary urn.

A special thank you to the landowner as well as Attwell Associates who supported the repairs.

Thank you also to our team of monumental volunteers who helped with the conservation works!