Melby’s Bronze Age burial mounds – Discover ancient history and unique nature
Amidst lush fields and open landscapes near the village of Melby, you’ll find five remarkable Bronze Age burial mounds. These ancient graves, dating back to the Early Bronze Age, offer a unique insight into past landscapes and traditions. The area is also known for its rare flora, including the beautiful sea pink, creating a stunning natural setting.
Bronze Age burial mounds
Approximately 3,000-4,000 years old, the burial mounds of Melby testify to a time when noble families buried their dead in monumental graves. Originally, eight mounds were located in the area, four of which remain visible today. Constructed from turf taken from cultivated soil, these burial mounds symbolised power and wealth.
A Bronze Age woman from Melby
In 1967, an excavation uncovered a well-preserved grave dating back to around 1500 BC. A woman was found in an oak coffin, wearing a bronze neck ring, a belt plate, and a distinctive cord skirt. The discovery links her to the famous Egtved Girl and offers insight into the fashion and culture of the time.
Rare flora and nature conservation
Melby’s burial mounds are not only a historical landmark but also a valuable natural area. To preserve the landscape, sheep graze the area, ensuring that both the mounds and the rare sea pink thrive. In early summer, the site is particularly striking, covered in a purple carpet of campion flowers.