Montem Mound facts for kids
Montem Mound, Slough
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| Location | Slough, Berkshire, England |
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| Type | mound |
| Length | 34 m (112 ft) |
| Width | 34 m (112 ft) |
| Height | 6 m (20 ft) |
| History | |
| Cultures | Anglo-Saxons |
The Montem Mound is an old, mysterious hill made of earth. You can find it on Montem Lane, about half a mile west of central Slough, Berkshire, England. It sits near the Chalvey Brook, which is a small stream flowing into the River Thames. This special mound is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, meaning it's protected because of its historical importance.
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Discovering the Montem Mound
The Montem Mound is more than just a hill. It's a significant historical site that has puzzled experts for many years. Its true age and purpose were a big mystery until recently.
What is the Montem Mound?
A mound is a raised area of earth, often built by people in ancient times. The Montem Mound is about 34 meters (111 feet) long and wide. It stands about 6 meters (20 feet) tall. These mounds were built for different reasons. They could be burial sites, defensive forts, or places for important meetings.
How Old is the Mound?
For a long time, people weren't sure how old the Montem Mound really was. There were many different ideas about its history.
Early Ideas About Its Age
- Some people, like those at the Slough Museum, thought it was a Norman Motte and Bailey outpost. This would mean it was part of a castle built by the Normans after they arrived in England in 1066. They believed it was connected to Windsor Castle.
- Other theories suggested it was much older. It might have been a "moot" point. This was a gathering place where people met to discuss important issues.
- Some even compared it to the Taplow Mound. This is another ancient site nearby.
- In 1925, a book by E.O. Gordon suggested the Montem Mound was an ancient site for druids. Druids were important religious figures in ancient Celtic cultures.
New Discoveries from Archaeologists
In 2017, archaeologists from the University of Reading made an exciting discovery. They found that the Montem Mound is about 1,500 years old. This means it was built during the early Anglo-Saxon period. This makes the mound a similar age to other famous sites. For example, it is roughly the same age as Sutton Hoo. It is also a contemporary of the nearby Taplow burial site. These findings show the mound is much older than previously thought. It gives us a glimpse into early Anglo-Saxon life.
The Eton Montem Festival
The Montem Mound was also famous for a special event. Until 1847, Eton College held an annual festival here. This festival was known as Eton Montem. It was also sometimes called Salt Hill. It was a unique tradition for the students of the college.
