Modern 'barrows' for cremated remains in the UK and why they matter

What is it about?

This paper examines the emergence of a number of new Neolithic and Bronze Age style barrows in the UK over the last few years. The barrows, which contain niches into which cremated remains urns can be placed, have proved extremely popular and the paper suggests some possible reasons for this popularity. The paper looks at concepts such as 'deep time' and reception theory as they are applied to the ancient human landscape; suggesting that barrows create a type of nostalgia for an imagined and more 'connected' past. The paper also looks at the connection between these barrows and the contemporary druidic movement in the UK. It considers the nature of modern Druidry and how its members are approaching death and memorialisation in the Twenty First Century. The paper suggests the possibility that the barrows are creating a connection between communities of the living and communities of the dead in a way that is almost unique in the UK.

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Photo by Harry Karoussos on Unsplash

Photo by Harry Karoussos on Unsplash

Why is it important?

These barrows are a very new feature of the landscape and as yet it is impossible to say how widespread and popular they will become. However, they do seem to represent a new way of looking at not only the disposal of cremated remains, but also at funeral ritual. The barrows represent a new type of spirituality that may or may not be connected to a particular religion, but is deeply rooted in connection to the landscape and to a particular idea of the past. In addition to this, the Neo-Pagan communities in the UK, including Druids, have reached a point in their history where the development of a funerary ritual and liturgy is becoming important as many of the original founders are reaching the end of their lives. Therefore this paper is a timely review of the current trends and ideas in modern Paganism regarding funerals and memorialisation.

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