Lying roughly between Avebury and the West Kennet long barrow is a massive manmade, conical mound, believed to be some four and a half thousand years old. This 'hill' has a base circumference of 1630ft (494m), and reaches a height of some130ft (41m).
Silbury Hill covers an area of five acres and was built as a series of six terraces. Constructed primarily of chalk, each terrace was covered with a layer of loose flint, chalk and gravel to form the current cone shape. The uppermost terrace was left to form the distinct 'cap' at the top which is still clearly visible on the eastern side of the hill.
Many theories have been put forward in an effort to understand the original purpose of Silbury Hill, and numerous legends surround it. However, one explanation that seems plausible is that it provided a means of following solar activity, as shadows were cast from it's summit. There is plenty of evidence of ancient Ley lines that link key sites in this area, and Silbury is also at the centre of alignments for straight prehistoric tracks, re-surfaced by the Romans. About a thousand years ago, it is known that Saxons occupied the top of the hill.
Despite several attempts to excavate the site over the last two hundred years, no concrete evidence has yet been discovered to help solve the mystery of why the mound was first built. One thing is certain from the excavations made, and that is that nothing is buried at the centre.
Although factual knowledge of these incredible Neolithic constructions is limited, and their true purpose may never be known, they certainly have a magnetic appeal to modern civilisations. Visitors come from far and wide to stare in wonder, and almost disbelief, that so primitive a people could have achieved such a feat all those thousands of years ago. And even more staggering - why?
--- Every kid thats played 'king of the hill' knows why.