Merlin's Tomb Demolition Delayed Until 2027

Works to demolish structures at a neolithic monument, rumored to be the burial place of the legendary magician Merlin, have been delayed until 2027. Marlborough College, situated in whose grounds the monument resides, confirmed that other projects are being prioritized. This deferral means that the removal of buildings, including a carpentry workshop and toilets partially dug into the mound, will not occur as initially planned for April, then summer. A 2024 archaeological assessment suggested that while significant findings are unlikely under the existing structures, their removal could allow for a valuable investigation into the mound's composition. The project, in collaboration with the Marlborough Mound Trust, aims to enhance the monument's visual appeal and potentially uncover traces of medieval and post-medieval waterways.

The monument, dating to around 2,400 BC, is historically significant and part of a ritual landscape alongside Silbury Hill and Avebury. In November 2025, permission was granted for the demolition of 20th-century buildings that were integrated into the mound's side. The demolition process is slated to proceed slowly with an archaeologist present. The delay is intended to ensure the work is conducted optimally, with a spokesperson for the school noting that any contents within the mound have remained undisturbed for centuries.