SNN63214 - Bury Mount, Towcester, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Management Survey

Bury Mount is an ancient earthwork motte castle situated on the north-east side of Towcester. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument in private ownership. The motte probably dates to the early years of William I, but by the time it is first recorded in 1391-2, it had almost certainly been out of use for over a century and appears to have been treated as waste land in the late Middle Ages. By the 16th century Bury Mount had become a private garden and by 1610 was planted with cherry trees. During the English Civil War the motte was used as a gun emplacement by the royalist garrison in 1643/4 and it is possible that the motte was steepened as a part of the overall defences. Undoubtably the profile of the motte has been altered over the past few centuries. In the 19th century Scots Pines were planted on the summit and two cottages were built into its south face. Bury Mount is in very poor condition and is in a state of continuing erosion and degradation due to long term neglect.The motte is not in a stable state of preservation and requires pro-active management to ensure that even a minimal level of preservation is attained. A Monument Management Strategy has been recommended which could be employed to: Prevent further erosion of the earthwork; improve the general appearance of the site; manage the site for wildlife and nature conservation needs; develop the monument; within its setting and consider the site in relation to its surroundings; improve access and increase the numbers of bona fide visitors.