The Mound Trust Newsletter

Dear subscriber,

Welcome to our December Newsletter, where you will find an update on the work on the Marlborough Mound in 2025, a look forward to an exciting 2026 plan, and a selection of new news articles to enjoy.

From 2025, we are now in a phase of the Mound’s conservation plan which has moved from significant restoration work to a focus on on-going conservation and structural maintenance. Movement monitoring of the Mound’s structure by Clifton Surveying was conducted in April and showed good stability in general, with no further movements. A number of tree stumps were eco-plugged and this has either stopped or minimised new growth and this process will be repeated as required. Further reduction of some of the larger stumps to ground level will be undertaken as part of the next round of tree works. Other general roots to stumps are being removed when deteriorated sufficiently to be removed by hand. Further cyclical maintenance of the path is scheduled for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. An additional 80 Crataegus monogyna whips have been planted to fill gaps and the remaining hedges continue to grow well. 

This lighter work-load has allowed time to focus on the scoping of works and the requirements of planning permission. This has included an application for Scheduled Monument Consent (SMC) along with local planning for the demolition of disused plant room buildings which cut into the Mound and so will provide a unique opportunity for further archaeological work with access to the interior of the Mound. With all required permissions secured, 2026 is promising to be a very exciting year for our understanding of this enigmatic monument and you can read more about the planned work and investigations in the first article below. 

There will also be a number of new events to look forward to next year. The first is a one-day conference on the Marlborough Mound at the Society of Antiquaries in April which will bring together experts on the monument to share their knowledge and answer questions. You will find the programme for the day and more information in the relevant article below. Our annual May Open Day will take place once more in 2026 and we will send you the information on this and how to reserve a place in due course. Finally, it is hoped to hold a lecture in September at Marlborough College to share the outcomes from the Spring archaeology. 

As you enjoy your festive holiday, please enjoy our new news articles. You may also wish to read about the history of the Mound on our website or indeed watch one of our videos.

On behalf of the Mound Trust trustees, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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