From The Neolithic To The Sea: A Journey From The Past To The Present

Therfield Heath

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Condition
Age
Admission
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Hertfordshire
52° 2′ 37.86″ N 0° 2′ 42.42″ W
TL 3416740187
Good
Neolithic
Free
Map



  • History
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Therfield Heath is a chalk escarpment and nature reserve located next to Royston in Hertfordshire.

Therfield Heath was first used by people during the Neolithic period, then later during the Bronze age to bury their dead. A longbarrow and many round barrows litter the heath, one has a bench sitting on top of it. The Icknield Way passed by the heath which is a prehistoric routeway which maybe one of the reasons there are so many barrows.

When the Romans came to the area they used the Icknield Way as one of their roads and it crossed Ermine Street close by the heath. The town of Royston was established at the crossroads. Later the Anglo-Saxons occupied the area and re-used part of the Neolithic longbarrow for burials.

Therfield Heath is now partly a golf course and it is also used for many other social activities, including walks and picnics.