The Marlborough Mound: Prehistoric Mound, Medieval Castle, Georgian Garden

The Marlborough Mound is a medieval castle and a feature in a major 17th-century garden. It has recently been recognized as one of the most important monuments in the group around Stonehenge. This book is the first comprehensive history of the site, and it reveals that the Mound was almost a twin of Silbury Hill and belonged to the extraordinary assembly of prehistoric monuments centered on Stonehenge. The Mound Trust began to restore the mound in 2003, and English Heritage took cores from the Mound for dating purposes. The results were remarkable, as they showed that the Mound was almost a twin of Silbury Hill and therefore belonged to the extraordinary assembly of prehistoric monuments centered on Stonehenge.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 23 August 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The Marlborough Mound, a historic site nestled within the grounds of Marlborough College, has recently gained recognition as one of the most significant monuments in the vicinity of Stonehenge. Its history spans multiple eras, from its initial role as a medieval castle to its later incarnation as a prominent feature in a grand 17th-century garden. This comprehensive history is the first to shed light on the remarkable story of this extraordinary site.

The Marlborough Mound, previously overlooked and undervalued, has recently come into the spotlight. Records indicate that it served as the mound of a Norman castle, with no visible remnants remaining. Local historians and archaeologists who had explored the site had uncovered limited archaeological evidence, consisting of prehistoric antler picks, Roman coins, and scattered medieval pottery. However, the most significant discovery occurred when the Mound Trust initiated its restoration efforts in 2003. English Heritage, conducting investigations at Silbury Hill, arranged to take cores from the Marlborough Mound for dating purposes. The results were astonishing, revealing that the Mound was nearly identical to Silbury Hill and thus part of the remarkable assemblage of prehistoric monuments centered around Stonehenge.

In the realm of medieval history, this book presents a groundbreaking compilation of information about the castle. Drawing from royal records and chronicles, it sheds light on its role as one of the major royal castles in the land. Numerous English kings, from William I to Edward III, graced the premises, and it became a favored castle for Henry III and his queen, Eleanor of Provence, surpassing Windsor in popularity. The Marlborough Mound marks the culmination of the first phase of the Mound Trust's work, which has focused on restoring and preserving this historic site. Now, the Trust turns its attention to its second objective, which is to promote public knowledge of the Mound through scholarly research.

As for the final form of the Marlborough Mound as a garden mound adjacent to the house o, it underwent significant transformations over time. The castle's ruins were gradually flattened and landscaped, creating a picturesque mound that served as a focal point in the 17th-century garden. The Mound Trust's restoration efforts have helped to uncover and preserve the rich history and heritage of this remarkable site, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783271863