Background

Uley Long Barrow (Hetty Pegler's Tump): A Neolithic Chambered Tomb Overlooking the Severn Valley

Explore a 5,000-year-old Neolithic burial mound with ancient chambers and stunning Severn Valley views at Uley Long Barrow, Gloucestershire.

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Uley Long Barrow, locally known as Hetty Pegler's Tump, is a 5,000-year-old Neolithic burial mound near Uley, Gloucestershire. This partially reconstructed chambered tomb, stretching 37 metres long, offers visitors a rare chance to explore ancient burial chambers and experience a profound connection to prehistoric Britain. Situated on a scenic ridge with views over the Severn Valley, it stands as one of the best-preserved examples of the Cotswold-Severn group of long barrows.

A brief summary to Uley Long Barrow (Hetty Pegler's Tump)

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Bring a torch to explore the interior chambers safely and appreciate the stonework.
  • Wear sturdy footwear as the site is located in a farmer’s field with uneven ground.
  • Visit in spring to enjoy surrounding bluebell meadows and scenic views.
  • Respect the site’s fragile nature; avoid touching or climbing on the stones.
  • Parking is limited; use nearby laybys and be cautious crossing the road.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Stroud takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes via local roads. Limited parking is available in a layby opposite the footpath to the site, with no parking fees. Exercise caution crossing the road to access the barrow.

  • Bus

    Local bus services run from Stroud to Uley village in about 30 to 45 minutes. From Uley, a 20-minute walk through rural paths leads to the barrow. Bus frequency may be limited on weekends and holidays.

  • Walking

    For walkers, the barrow is accessible via a countryside footpath from Uley village, approximately a 20-minute walk over uneven terrain. Suitable footwear is recommended, and the path is not wheelchair accessible.

Uley Long Barrow (Hetty Pegler's Tump) location weather suitability

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Discover more about Uley Long Barrow (Hetty Pegler's Tump)

Ancient Origins and Historical Significance

Uley Long Barrow, also called Hetty Pegler's Tump after the 17th-century landowner's wife, Hester Pegler, dates back at least 5,000 years to the Neolithic period. It served as a communal burial site for early farming communities in Britain. Archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of approximately 15 to 23 individuals, along with animal bones and pottery fragments, indicating its use over an extended period. Roman coins and medieval artifacts found within the mound reveal that the site was revisited and disturbed multiple times throughout history, including Roman and medieval periods.

Architectural Layout and Reconstruction

The barrow is a 'transepted' long barrow, meaning its cruciform plan resembles a church layout with a central passage and side chambers. It measures about 37 metres (120 feet) in length and 3 metres (10 feet) in width. Originally, it contained five chambers, though two have been lost or blocked off due to damage and past excavations. The central passage leads to an end chamber and two side chambers on the south side, with a reconstructed north passage wall marking where two northern chambers once stood. Much of the structure visible today results from excavations and restorations carried out in the 19th century, notably by Dr. John Thurnham in 1854 and subsequent repairs through the early 1900s.

Atmosphere and Visitor Experience

Visitors can enter the barrow through a low, narrow entrance to explore the interior chambers, which evoke a calm and contemplative atmosphere despite their ancient funerary purpose. The warm-hued Cotswold stone construction adds to the site's unique ambiance. Exploring inside requires a torch to fully appreciate the stonework and spatial arrangement. The barrow's elevated position offers sweeping views across the Severn Valley, enhancing the sense of connection to the landscape that Neolithic people might have experienced.

Conservation and Access

Managed by Gloucestershire County Council and English Heritage, Uley Long Barrow is a scheduled National Monument protected for its archaeological and cultural importance. It is freely accessible during daylight hours, though facilities such as restrooms and shops are located a short drive away in nearby towns like Stroud. The site is situated in a farmer’s field with limited parking nearby. Visitors are encouraged to respect the monument’s fragile nature and avoid causing damage.

Cultural Legacy and Local Lore

The barrow’s local name, Hetty Pegler’s Tump, reflects its connection to the landowner’s family in the 17th century, preserving a human link across millennia. The site is part of a network of Cotswold-Severn long barrows, sharing cultural and ritual significance in prehistoric Britain. It continues to inspire curiosity and imagination about ancient burial rites, community life, and the spiritual landscape of early farmers. The barrow’s enduring presence invites reflection on the passage of time and the layers of history embedded in the English countryside.

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