Coldrum Stones Long Barrow: A Fascinating Neolithic Burial Site in Kent
The Coldrum Long Barrow, also known as The Coldrum Stones, is a prehistoric site located in Kent, England. Built around 6000 years ago, the Long Barrow is not as well-known as other historic sites, despite being constructed 1000 years before Stonehenge and 1400 years before the Pyramids of Egypt.
Unlike Stonehenge, the Coldrum Stones are easily accessible and free to visit. You can even enjoy a picnic on the site. There is not completely easy access to the Stones as there is no parking on site, so even if you come by car, you’ll have to walk the last part of your journey, but I think that only adds to the adventure in finding this hidden gem.
I visited the Coldrum Long Barrow in late summer in the afternoon and it was quite humbling experience, especially as I stayed for a bit to read a book and have my lunch. It was very peaceful there.
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What is a Long Barrow?
A long barrow is a prehistoric monument that dates back to the early Neolithic era. It is essentially an elongated stone structure that was used as a collective tomb for local communities. Many long barrows date back to around 5,500 years ago and are amongst the oldest architectural structures ever built.
They are not graveyards as such, but rather a place to lay the bones of the dead. It was often a custom to lay the bodies to rest elsewhere, and then move the bones to the Long Barrow at a later date.
Why the name Coldrum?
The Coldrum Stones acquired their name from a nearby farm, Coldrum Lodge, which has long since been demolished. Built in 1796, the farm is attributed to the long barrow’s name as no previous records of Coldrum are said to exist. Whilst there is some speculation that the name ‘Coldrum’ comes from an old Cornish word ‘Galdrum’ which means ‘place of enchantments’.
Original Construction of the Stones
The Coldrum Long Barrow was constructed around 4000 BC during Britain’s Early Neolithic period. According to archaeologists, the stone monument was built by a community of nomadic herders shortly after the introduction of agriculture to Britain from continental Europe.
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The inspiration for the Coldrum Stones
In Western Europe, the Early Neolithic period saw the building of stone structures across the landscape. It seems the purpose of these was to house the remains of the dead and large stones (now dubbed megaliths) were often used for their construction.
The tombs tended to contain the remains of several members of a community rather than just one individual. It’s therefore reasonable to assume that this custom eventually found its way across the Channel and onto mainland Britain.
The theories behind the deterioration of the long barrow site
Even though it’s extremely old, the Coldrum Long Barrow is not in the best condition. Whilst it may be just one, or a combination of all three, there are several theories as to how the Barrow ended up in such a ruinous state. These include looting, farming and building practices, and Christian intervention.
It’s quite feasible that robbers partially destroyed the tomb whilst seeking out valuable artefacts inside. There is also a suggestion that this was officially sanctioned.
It’s an unfortunate fact that many archaeological sites are in far worse condition than they otherwise would have been if left untouched by farming methods. The constant churning of the soil together with the planting and harvesting of crops takes its toll over time.
There is some evidence of a common practice in the late 13th and early 14th century to destroy any monuments that were seen as un-Christian. This involved the systematic dismantling and flattening of long barrows by toppling the stones (and sometimes burying them) whilst levelling the earthen mounds so they were no longer visible on the landscape.
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The Coldrum Rag Tree
One of the first things you’ll notice once you reach the Coldrum Stones is the Coldrum Rag Tree. The tree is adjacent to the Barrow at the top and is covered in ribbons, notes and trinkets.
These are left by visitors for a variety of reasons – Some are perhaps honouring Pagan traditions, whilst others are certainly mementos left in memory of loved ones who have passed away. Some are also left simply to pay respect to the site and keep up with the tradition of leaving ribbons tied to the tree.
When is the best time to visit?
Any day of the year is a good time to visit Coldrum as the site is open all year round. Personally, a sunrise on a clear and calm summer’s day would have to be my favourite. The summer solstice would be an obvious choice, but it’s probably best to avoid this particular day of the year as there will be far more visitors to the site than usual.
The National Trust looking after the Coldrum Long Barrow
The site of the Coldrum Long Barrow is currently owned and maintained by The National Trust and has been since 1926. The National Trust has dedicated the site to Benjamin Harrison, a local historian from nearby Ightham and there is a plaque to commemorate this.
Practical Information
- Location: Coldrum Long Barrow, Trottiscliffe, West Malling, Kent, ME19 5EG
- Opening Times: all the time
- Entrance tickets: free
- Facilities: No facilities or amenities nearby
- Parking: No parking nearby
How to get to Coldrum Stones
By road
North Downs, Kent, near West Malling and Maidstone, just off A20 and M20
Parking: Car park (NT) off Pinesfield Lane, Trottiscliffe – spaces for 10 vehicles
On foot
Access on foot from car park, off Pinesfield Lane, Trottiscliffe
By train
Borough Green – approx. 4.5 miles West Malling – approx. 5 miles Snodland – approx. 4.5 miles
By bus
Arriva 58, Addingstone to Maidstone, regular service, alight outside The George pub
This blog post was originally published on 18 January 2024 and last updated on 18 January 2024
