Blood Hill

West Tofts, Norfolk – Thetford Forest

Like many barrows, Blood Hill in West Tofts has been utilized as a historical marker for parish boundaries. Emaciated by time, it was already heavily worn down by the open, sandy conditions of the historic Brecks – an area famous for its severe sand-blows prior to twentieth-century afforestation.

The monument eventually became forgotten under the dense tree cover. For some decades, a forestry ride ran straight over the top of it, causing further structural damage. Fortunately, it has since been protected, enclosed by fencing, and marked with an official information board. Blood Hill is located at British OS Grid Reference TL 841 877.

A medieval satellite hamlet of Thetford called St Helen's was located nearby, centred around the large chalk pit near the railway line.

Located within Forestry England's Thetford Forest Park, public access is free and open, subject to active forestry operations. A public long-distance trail named the Hereward Way passes nearby. Visitors can park on the A134 at the entrance to the Hereward Way at Ride 21. The barrow sits approximately 700 metres back from the roadside.