- Moot Hill in Wymondham, Norfolk acquired by Norfolk Archaeological Trust, thanks to a generous member of the public, ending decades of restricted access
- Historic site to be conserved and made safe for public visits
- Historic England and South Norfolk District Council support rescue of this Scheduled Monument, which is currently on the Heritage at Risk Register
Moot Hill in Wymondham, Norfolk has been acquired by Norfolk Archaeological Trust, helped by a generous member of the public, and with support, guidance and advice from Historic England.
Sitting beyond Kett’s Park in the town, Moot Hill has a long and uncertain past. It may be a Norman ringwork linked to the D’Albini family (prominent Norman nobles in Norfolk), or it could contain remains of an Iron Age settlement over 2,000 years old.
The scheduled ancient monument has been closed to the public for years and is inaccessible due to safety concerns and damage caused by unchecked tree growth. The site is currently on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
Norfolk Archaeological Trust will now begin detailed surveys and safety assessments, with phase one, which runs until the end of March, being funded by South Norfolk District Council. This groundwork will inform conservation efforts and the creation of new paths for visitors.
Moot Hill is also a designated County Wildlife site. The conservation project will balance archaeological conservation with protecting the trees, ponds and wildlife that have made it their home.
This is the beginning of a long-term project to conserve Moot Hill so that it can be explored safely, and visitors can enjoy its history and natural beauty.
Comments
Tony Calladine, East of England Regional Director, Historic England, said: “The acquisition of Moot Hill marks the start of an exciting new chapter for one of Wymondham’s hidden treasures. Places like Moot Hill connect us to our past and enrich our communities. Thanks to this partnership working, Moot Hill will be cared for, better understood and, in time, opened up for everyone to enjoy.”
Natalie Butler, Director, Norfolk Archaeological Trust said: “We are absolutely thrilled that after three decades of determination, we have finally secured Moot Hill. Thanks to the incredible generosity of a member of the public, we’ve been able to save this important site for future generations. Moot Hill is a vital piece of our county’s history, and we can’t wait to share its story with the community.”
Ben Goldsborough, MP for South Norfolk, said: “South Norfolk has many of England’s most exciting historical sites, from Moot Hill to Wymondham Abbey, Venta Icenorum to the Wooden Henge at Arminghall.
“It is essential that we protect and preserve these sites for community use, so I am absolutely delighted that Norfolk Archaeological Trust have acquired Moot Hill in Wymondham, adding to their already-impressive collection. A huge congratulations to everyone at Norfolk Archaeological Trust for this major coup. An enormous thank you is also owed to Historic England who I know have been working tirelessly for over a decade to get to this point.
“Having met with Norfolk Archaeological Trust at Venta Icenorum, I know that our heritage is in the best possible hands.”
We are keen to gather ideas and comments from the local community, please complete our consultation here: Moot Hill – Local Community Survey – Fill in form
