A giant burial mound has appeared in the countryside outside Calverton, bringing back a tradition not seen in the Midlands for thousands of years.
Standing six feet high on the edge of the village, the newly-constructed barrow is the first of three planned for a new memorial park that aims to revive one of Britain’s oldest forms of remembrance.
The structure has been created by funeral directors A.W. Lymn and specialist builders Sacred Stones at the new Nottinghamshire Memorial Park, a 27-acre site off George’s Lane.
When completed, the three earth-covered mounds will become the Midlands’ first dedicated barrow site and provide more than 800 niches for ashes.
Barrows were once used across Britain to honour the dead, with many dating back to the Bronze Age. While ancient examples still dot the landscape, newly-built barrows remain a rare sight.
Matthew Lymn Rose, managing director of A.W. Lymn and the fifth generation of the family business, said seeing the first mound emerge from the ground had been an emotional moment.
“This is an exciting first for the Midlands and we’re incredibly proud to see the first barrow rise out of the ground,” he said.
“We can’t wait to welcome people on site and give them the opportunity to explore these remarkable structures for themselves.
“A lot of thought and hard work has gone into creating something that reintroduces ancient traditions to the 21st century. We hope it will offer families a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate a life well lived.”
The project comes as cremation continues to be the most popular funeral choice in the UK. With increasing numbers of families opting for cremation, the developers say the barrows will provide a permanent place where loved ones can visit, reflect and remember.
An open day is planned for 10 October 2026, giving members of the public the chance to step inside the structures ahead of their official opening in April 2027.
Visitors will be able to explore both the exterior and interior of the man-made mounds and learn more about the inspiration behind the project.
Mr Lymn Rose believes changing attitudes towards funerals are driving demand for new approaches to remembrance.
“People are increasingly informed about their funeral options and more confident exploring alternatives,” he said.
“Many families want arrangements that reflect their values, beliefs and budget rather than a standard package. Recreating something from ancient times offers a unique and special way to commemorate a loved one.”
Enquiries have already been received from people interested in purchasing niches within the barrows, offering an alternative to scattering ashes or keeping them at home.
Founded in Nottingham in 1907, A.W. Lymn has grown into one of the UK’s largest independent funeral directors, operating 36 funeral homes across the East Midlands.
The new memorial park will also mark the company’s first family-owned cemetery development.
