THE COLDRUM LONGBARROW
Of all the old Kent stones perhaps the most revered are the ones that are known affectionately as “The Coldrums”. Perched somewhat precariously on the edge of a ridge, this upright chamber looks out upon the valley floor of the North Downs. Set in idyllic countryside close to the Pilgrims Way, it's a very magical place that offers much in the way of peace within its immaculate seclusion.
Nothing really remains of the barrow mound, but most of the fallen stones that once formed the outer peristalith can still be seen. Whilst they are often mistaken for being a separate stone circle, these stones originally formed a quadrangular enclosure around the central chamber. Unfortunately it seems most of them either fell or were dislodged long ago by ruthless chalk excavators. Despite all this though and as far as Kent's megalithic tombs are concerned, “The Coldrums” are without doubt the best preserved.
The name Coldrum is said to have been derived from the old West-Country word “galdrum”, which refers simply to “an enchanted place”. “The Coldrums” are certainly that...for they offer us a place of meditation and quiet thought within an area that's seen little change in hundreds of years.
The Pilgrims Way which locally snakes around the foot of the downs was in use during pre-Christian times when it was simply known as “The Way”. This ancient track led many of the ancients to these old stones, which long ago became central to Druid worship. With them being orientated east-west “The Coldrums” have equinox sunrise alignments…which along with the solstices are still celebrated here following the ancient traditions of worship set out by the Druids.
summer solstice 2007 coldrum longbarrow
Surrounded by trees, the Coldrum site is quite open to the age-old tradition of tree dressing that’s probably as old as the stones themselves. All year round ribbons and posies are seen adorning these trees that many of its Pagan visitors have left behind. The idea behind all this being that if you make a wish or a prayer at the site before leaving your offering there, your wish will be granted when in time your posy or ribbon withers and ruins.
The site was excavated in 1910 and the remains of twenty two individuals of all ages ranging from newborns to the elderly were discovered there. Long before that though, a couple of locals had also discovered the remains of a skeleton at the site. The bones were removed and buried some distance away in the churchyard at Meopham. On learning of this the rector of nearby Trottiscliffe (pronounced Tros-ley) wrote to ask the vicar of Meopham what he meant by stealing his oldest parishioner.
Coldrum Longbarrow is the least-damaged megalithic longbarrow in Kentthis 3,000 year-old burial chamber is the only one of those originally present in the Medway Valley to remain virtually intact.Measuring 30 x 18 metres, this ancient listed monument now comprises of 15 sarsen stones on a raised earth bank, forming a circle.Between the car park and to the west of Coldrum Longbarrow, the remains of the ancient field systems can still be detected. The North Downs form an impressive backdrop to this site, with impressive views to the east, towards Blue Bell Hill.
This site is held in high regard by a number of travelling groups who value the spiritual and historical significance of the site.
