Anglo-Saxon barrow cemetery

Greenwich · Greenwich · Expansion route discovery

Story

Among the trees in Greenwich Park, you will encounter small rises in the ground that, at first glance, might seem like ordinary natural unevenness. However, these mounds are the remains of an Anglo-Saxon barrow cemetery. Historically, over forty barrows were identified, and today, around thirty-one are still discernible. Their scale is modest; do not expect to find huge ceremonial mounds like those seen in some open prehistoric landscapes. The true impact comes when your eye learns to recognise the pattern of these gentle undulations. Each of these small mounds marks a burial in a place that, centuries later, was transformed into a royal park and subsequently a public recreation ground. This layering of uses — an early medieval cemetery, a courtly landscape, and a park open to the public — eloquently encapsulates the history of Greenwich. The area is archaeologically protected, so observation should be strictly visual: do not climb on the mounds, dig, or stray from the paths in a way that could cause any damage.

What to look for

Look for low, rounded, very gentle rises repeated among the trees. The key is recognising the pattern of these mounds, rather than searching for one spectacular individual form.

Secret detail

While over 40 barrows were historically recorded in this area, around 31 can still be observed today, discreetly integrated into the park's landscape.

Where exactly

Inside Greenwich Park, in the area marked for the Anglo-Saxon barrows.

Orientation

Observe from paths and durable surfaces. Do not climb on or disturb the mounds.

Why it matters

This cemetery represents one of the largest surviving groups of Anglo-Saxon barrows in London, revealing an early medieval community hidden in plain sight within a royal park.

Access & opening

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Accessibility

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Verified: 2026-08-23Google Maps