From the ‘thisiswiltshire’ site archive, 4/05
COUNCILLORS in Marlborough have called for a meeting with the College to discuss a plan for proposed landscaping work, which could affect the setting of the ancient mound in the school grounds.
The huge mound is believed to be as old as Silbury Hill five miles away and, similarly, its origin is unknown.
Marlborough College has submitted a planning application to enhance an area known as The Wilderness at the foot of the mound by creating new footpaths and removing unwanted trees, which the school claims, spoil the view of the mound.
Town councillors want a meeting to discuss the plan and see if the school will agree to let the public have access to the mound when pupils are away.
Coun Bryan Castle told Monday’s meeting of the town council planning committee: “The mound is a scheduled ancient monument and what happens in The Wilderness affects the layout and viewing of the mound.”
Coun Castle said it was the mound which gave rise to the motto on the Marlborough town coat of arms and the legend that Merlin is buried there.