A Middle Bronze Age Barrow and Deverel-Rimbury Urnfield, at Latch Farm, Christchurch, Hampshire

Latch farm is situated on the gravel in the fork of the rivers Stour and Avon, and within a mile of their outlet into the sea at Christchurch.The barrow under discussion was suspected to be such by Mr J. H. Taylor, the owner of the land, in about 1934. It appeared then as a low flat mound, not more than 18 inches or so in elevation, and with no signs of a surrounding ditch. In 1936 gravel digging was started in a large quarry near the barrow, and when its destruction became imminent, Mr J. B. Calkin asked me to excavate the site and save as much material as possible from loss. Accordingly in July and again in September, 1937, with the very ready co-operation of the owner, this was undertaken. Although the contractor was extremely considerate and helped us in many ways it was not possible to keep back the work for many weeks; so in just over three weeks, with two paid men and three voluntary helpers the barrow was excavated as fully as circumstances demanded and time allowed.