Belas Knap Long Barrow

Belas Knap is a Neolithic long barrow in Gloucestershire, probably constructed around 3000 BC. Its most distinctive feature is a monumental entrance that leads nowhere: the burial chambers were reached separately from the sides of the mound. Four chambers have been identified, containing the remains of multiple people, and the tomb was used for successive burials before its chambers were deliberately sealed. The reason for the false portal is uncertain; interpretations include a symbolic entrance associated with the dead, but no explanation is proven. Romano-British pottery shows that at least one chamber was accessible in Roman times. Investigations between 1863 and 1865 recovered human remains and artefacts, followed by restoration supported by Emma Dent of Sudeley. Further excavation and rebuilding in 1928–30 produced much of the appearance visible today. Belas Knap consequently preserves an ancient burial monument shaped by later investigation and conservation. Period: Neolithic; probably around 3000 BC Grid reference: SP 02093 25426 Protection: Scheduled monument Source: Historic England, https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1008199 (Open Government Licence). © Historic England 2026. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2026. Banner photo: "Belas Knap Long Barrow - panoramio" by ian freeman, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 3.0.