It forms part of the Arras Culture of inhumation and chariot burial prevalent in the region during the British Iron Age.

It is a prehistoric cemetery site situated in Danesdale – a dry river valley with gravel and chalk deposits.

The landowner, William Henry Harrison-Broadley responded that "The investigations have been conducted so recklessly, so carelessly, and even so indecently – the graves were not even filled up again – that I am determined not to again allow them to be disturbed".

[3] Large-scale excavations took place between 1897–98, following Harrison-Broadley's death and were run jointly by Greenwell and Mortimer.

The vast majority of skeletons were aligned on a north-south axis; a trait evident across Arras Culture sites and all were recorded as being found in a crouched position.