Geoarchaeological studies associated with remedial measures at Silbury Hill, Wiltshire, UK

Silbury Hill, near Marlborough, Wiltshire, UK, is one of the largest prehistoric mounds in Europe, characterised by uncertain structure and unusual burial conditions. Internal collapses occurred in autumn 2000 as a result of the incomplete refilling of tunnels dug in the last few centuries. Planning for the repairs has provided an opportunity to examine samples from recent exploratory boreholes and the 1960s excavations. This paper brings together the results of these investigations, comparing the materials from inside the hill with nearby soil profiles. The truncated nature of the old ground surface and the extensive multiple iron pans found inside the hill are discussed, along with their implications for construction and post-depositional processes.