Conservation Initiatives for the Ancient Merlin’s Mound Authorized
An prehistoric landmark associated by legend to the legendary king’s magical advisor Merlin is scheduled to receive restoration.
Known as the Marlborough Mound, this location is positioned inside the grounds of Marlborough College.
Approval was sought to remove 20th Century facilities that had been placed into the slope of the mound.
Local authorities have now granted the dismantling of a craftsman’s studio, restrooms, a plant room, and a water supply system.
According to the designs, there is “strong likelihood” that remains of medieval and post-medieval aquatic systems will be discovered during the restoration.
College representatives state that the changes will create a more “visually pleasing” surroundings for the mound.
Erected millennia ago, the hill rises 19 meters tall, making it surpassed only by the close Silbury Mound in by height for such sites.
After the Norman invasion, William the Conqueror ordered a stronghold to be constructed on the site.
Local legend suggests that the sorcerer the legendary Merlin is buried inside the structure, inspiring the local saying: “here lie the remains of Merlin”.
In the 1980s, a instructor at the college supervised the renovation of an old grotto that had been carved into the face of the structure.
The trust was established in 2000 to protect and revive the mound.
A historical review in recent times designated the monument as “historically vital” and stated that while it is improbable anything archaeologically significant would be uncovered under the buildings, demolishing them would permit archaeologists to analyze a cross-section of the monument.
The mound is inaccessible to the general public, although an once-a-year open day is organized each summer, for which tickets are distributed.
