The Practice has been instrumental in setting out the conservation masterplan and undertaking specific conservation tasks to stabilize, repair and restore this intriguing ancient monument, acknowledging its many phases of development. Its proximity and similarity to the larger and better known prehistoric Silbury Hill, leads the speculation as to a very ancient history of the monument. Its first documented appearance is as a strategic Norman Motte, later becoming part of an important Royal Castle through to the 16th Century. In the latter17th Century it was incorporated into a fine landscaped garden recorded by Stukely and others. The poet James Thomson is thought to have written part of his masterpiece 'The Seasons' there. Latterly, trees have self seeded and obscured the spiral ramp and other features and follies. Now part of the famous Marlborough College Public School, the long term plan is to restore the monument to its former landscaped glory.