Buildings cut into ancient monument could be removed

The 62ft (19m) mound is inside the grounds of Marlborough College

A "nationally important" 4,000-year-old historic monument could have buildings that cut into it removed to allow for archaeological research.

The Marlborough Mound is the second-largest Neolithic mound in Europe. Standing at 62ft (19m) and located in the grounds of Marlborough College, Wiltshire, it is rumoured to be the burial place of legendary wizard Merlin.

The college has applied for permission to demolish some of its buildings, created in the 20th Century, which partially cut into the west side of the mound and replace them with structures to support the monument.

It said the proposed work would provide an opportunity for archaeologists to carry out research.

College buildings which partially cut into the mound could be demolished

Celebrated throughout the history of the college, which was where Catherine, Princess of Wales, went to school, the mound has been carbon dated to 2,400BC.

Only a few miles down the A4 is the ancient monument that beats it in size - Silbury Hill, part of the Avebury World Heritage Site.

A 2024 archaeological assessment described the mound as "nationally important" and explained it is a prehistoric monument, has part of a medieval castle and also some 17th and 18th Century garden features.

The mound also has a grotto

It said that while it is unlikely anything archaeologically significant would be found under the buildings, removing them would enable archaeologists to investigate a cross-section of the mound.

In the planning application, it also mentions that the changes would make the monument more "visually pleasing".

A wall is planned as well, to ensure that the mound does not slip.

The application adds: "The structures will be demolished slowly with an archaeologist presence during the process."

There are plans for a small pavilion to house information on the Marlborough Mound

The college already has permission to convert a garden pavilion in its grounds into a small visitor information facility, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The mound has its own trust - the Marlborough Mound Trust - which the work would be carried out on behalf of. The trust was set up to preserve the monument and tell the public about it.

Opportunities to see the mound are limited to certain open days and pre-arrangement as not only is it in a school, there are risks to conservation and the spiral path to the top is not designed for heavy use.

Wiltshire Council is expected to make a decision on the application by the end of April.