Death and Burial in Bronze Age Clitheroe

In 2018, a Bronze Age burial site was discovered on the outskirts of Clitheroe during the construction of a new housing estate. The cremation urns are currently on display at Clitheroe Castle Museum, offering a rare opportunity to reflect on early Bronze Age burial practices.

Nine cremation burials were found in the centre of the site which was enclosed by a ring ditch. It was possible to use radio-carbon dating on seven of the cremations which date from between c.1915 -1620 BC, during the early Bronze Age.

It is likely that the burial site was associated with a small settlement in the area and that the group were engaged in farming. This idea seems to be supported by the recovery of an offering of more than 200 grains of barley in one of the burials.

Higher Standen Farm was excavated by Archaeological Research Services Ltd. The exhibition is based upon their excavation of the site and analysis of the material recovered, which gives us a fascinating glimpse into the prehistory of Lancashire.

The exhibition was designed and curated by Lancashire County Museum Service’s Collections & Conservation Team.

Entry to the exhibition is part of museum admission. Adults £5.20.  Any visitors 18 years or younger go free.

Clitheroe Castle Museum is managed by Lancashire County Council’s Museum Service on behalf of Ribble Valley Borough Council.