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There are many fanciful theories about Silbury Hill, the massive conical hill described as the highest artificial mound in Europe. Built on a grand scale, amid the Wiltshire planes close to Marlborough, the hill has defied the speculation of centuries for it covers more ground than the Egyptian Pyramids, and yet, in spite of modern archaeological methods, unlike the Pyramids, the reason for its existence is yet to be uncovered.
One theory is that the devil made it and buried beneath it is one of his victims-a warrior, clad in gold armour, mounted on his horse! This is a delightful fantasy but the mound measures 130ft high and covers 5.1/2 acres, an awful lot of space for just one warrior. Another theory is that it was a massive burial ground built on the orders of a chieftain from the Neolithic period. At first this seemed quite likely but investigations proved fruitless, no human remains, nor evidence of any grave or tomb was discovered.
The fact that it may have been intended as a large sun dial or astronomical observatory has never been disproved either, for some say it may at one time have had a massive pole at the summit, thus allowing people in the fields below to read the time of day. What ever you choose to believe, the enigma of Silbury Hill continues to this day. It attracts countless visitors, who leave as they arrived-in a complete state of puzzlement.
Silbury Hill lies in lovely countryside, close to Beckhampton and Avebury. In the area you can see the famous chalk White Horse, stone circles, West Kennett Long Barrow, Avebury Museum and Avebury Manor owned by the National Trust. The whole area is rich with history making it a fascinating destination for a quiet weekend to enjoy the sights and sounds of the countryside and take in the pleasures of historic Marlborough.
a Picturesque Village in the county of Wiltshire
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in the county of Wiltshire
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a Picturesque Village in the county of Wiltshire
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a Historic Market Town in the county of Wiltshire
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a Picturesque Village in the county of Wiltshire
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All towns in Wiltshire
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