Scheduled MonumentsEnglandCursus and five associated ring-ditches at Biggleswade Common

Cursus and five associated ring-ditches at Biggleswade Common

England
List entry 1473383
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Cursus and five associated ring-ditches at Biggleswade Common is a Neolithic ceremonial monument complex located in Bedfordshire. The cursus itself consists of two parallel ditches defining an elongated ceremonial pathway, a form characteristic of Neolithic ritual landscapes in southern Britain, typically dating to the fourth millennium BCE. The five ring-ditches represent Bronze Age burial mounds, indicating later ritual use of the site across multiple periods. Together these monuments demonstrate the long-term ceremonial significance of this location, with evidence of sustained religious or communal activity spanning from the Neolithic through the Bronze Age.

Cursus and five associated ring-ditches at Biggleswade Common is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1473383. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Cursus and five associated ring-ditches at Biggleswade Common?

Cursus and five associated ring-ditches at Biggleswade Common is a Neolithic ceremonial monument complex located in Bedfordshire. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1473383.

Who is responsible for protecting Cursus and five associated ring-ditches at Biggleswade Common?

Cursus and five associated ring-ditches at Biggleswade Common is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1473383.

What other scheduled monuments are near Cursus and five associated ring-ditches at Biggleswade Common?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Bronze Age Round Barrow and Later Settlement on Biggleswade Common (0.7 km), A ringwork and bailey castle, ring ditch and enclosures east of Brookland Farm (2.4 km), Stratton Park moated enclosure and associated manorial earthworks (3.1 km).

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