Silbury Hill

Silbury Hill is a large prehistoric chalk mound on the Marlborough Downs in Wiltshire, England, built in the late Neolithic period around 2400-2300 BC. It is the largest man-made prehistoric mound in Europe and an important archaeological landmark.

The mound rises to roughly 39-40 metres and consists of compacted chalk and earth laid in successive layers; archaeological investigations have not revealed a burial or chamber. The hill forms part of the broader prehistoric landscape around Avebury, which includes stone circles, barrows and linear earthworks.

Excavations and studies since the 18th century have investigated construction techniques and internal structure, and conservation works have been carried out to stabilise the mound. Its precise purpose remains a subject of research and debate among archaeologists.

Silbury Hill sits on open chalk downland near Avebury in Wiltshire, within a complex of Neolithic monuments. The site is managed for conservation and is accessible by short walks from nearby lanes and the Avebury monument area.

• Date and significance: Constructed around 2400-2300 BC, it is the largest prehistoric artificial mound in Europe and contains no known burial chamber.
• Size and composition: The hill rises to about 39-40 metres and has a roughly circular base with a substantial volume of compacted chalk and earth, visible from the surrounding downland.