Hawkstone Park Farm Mound

Description

A mound, possibly a tumulus, is visible on air photographs at SJ58273031. It is about 10ft high, flat topped with a base circumference of 60 yds. There is a ditch and small pit on the S side and a large erratic boulder close to the north side (Livock G E. 1938. Extract from OS Object Name Book)
The mound is clearly visible as one approaches Hawkestone Park Farm. It is large and squat, with straight, sloping sides and a flat but undulating top. It is surrounded by an area of darker vegetation, which probably marks a ditch. The quarry pit on the S side shows clearly. Unfortunately stock prevented a close inspection. Some erosion was noted on the north side (i.e. no vegetation cover) and there was general stock erosion. The mound has the appearance of a motte. ..A mill mound is another possibility, but it is probably too high. No other earthworks were visible in the field (Horton Wendy B. 1991. Site Visit Form)
This artificial mound was recorded by the Ordnance Survey as a possible barrow and in the SMR it was also noted as a possible motte. It is constructed of earth, and measures about 21m in diameter at its base and between 9m and 10.5m across its flat top. It stands between 1.6m and 2.1m high. Immediately to the north of the mound is a large cut and partially polished granite boulder, 1.35m long. Adjoining the mound to the south there appears to be the remains of a slight earthen ramp. The mound is situated in the northern part of Hawkstone Park, a Registered Park and Garden Grade I, at the top of a long slope. From this location there is a commanding view of Hawk Lake, the long artificial lake within the park, and extensive views of the north Shropshire plain to the north and west with the Oswestry uplands in the far distance. This location also provides an unrestricted view of the eastern side of a natural ridge within the park, known as The Terrace. The mound can clearly be seen from the drive through the park from Marchamley leading to the Hawkstone Hall. The continuation of the drive near Hawkstone Park Farm has been altered and originally ran near to the mound. The form of the mound clearly indicates that it is neither a barrow nor a motte. Its position within Hawkstone Park would strongly suggest that it served as the platform for an eye catcher, such as a temple-like structure. A building here would have been clearly visible from various points around the park, as well as providing extensive views of the park, most notably Hawk Lake, and the landscape beyond. The adjacent granite boulder was probably originally positioned on top of the mound and the ramp may have provided access for carriages (Reid Malcolm L. 2004-Feb-24. MPP Non-Scheduling Alternative Action Report). (Shropshire HER)

Comments

If the mound was late C18 eyecatcher, it is positioned where the view of the mound from the hall would be blocked by farm buildings if these existed at the time. However it would have been visible on the drive to the hall and it may be the site was intended to be a viewing platform rather than an eyecatcher.
The Mount at Weston is a similar sizes isolated mound totally accepted as a motte. Another close by isolated mound at Marchamley Moat Bank is suggested as the site of a 'fortlice' recorded as being thrown up in 1223.