Moot Hill in Wymondham, Norfolk, is now in the care of the Norfolk Archaeological Trust

(NAT). The acquisition happened just before Christmas, helped by a generous member of the public. Thanks to a grant from South Norfolk Council, progress is being made to make the site safe and accessible. 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.

Moot Hill is one of the area’s most intriguing secrets – a dramatic earthwork steeped in mystery. Historians believe it was a Norman ringwork fortification built in the late 1000s or early 1100s. It may be connected to the D’Albini family, who were a powerful family at that time. The D’Albini family established Wymondham Priory in 1107 and also owned Castle Rising and New Buckenham Castle. Some Historians believe the site could be much older, possibly more than 2,000 years old, dating back to the Iron Age.

Very limited archaeological work has taken place here. A few small test pits happened in the 1930s, but they were not fully recorded. Today, Moot Hill is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a County Wildlife Site. It is also on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.

The initial preparatory work is now well underway, with new fencing and entrance gates installed to secure the area. The site is temporarily closed whilst the project makes progress with survey work and explores possible new access paths and ways to tell the story of Moot Hill. Work is underway to improve connectivity, and a new access path will soon link the Wymondham Town Council woodland walk to the Moot Hill entrance.

To ensure the long-term health of the landscape, a Visual Tree Assessment has been conducted, and arboricultural contractors have carried out essential maintenance and

emergency tree works. This work will ensure the woodland will be a safe environment for all visitors.

Community input is at the heart of this project, and NAT has hosted public consultation events and an online community survey to gather feedback on the future of Moot Hill. NAT will use this feedback to help with planning the next phases of the project.

Help to support Moot Hill’s future by joining our Support Your Site (SYS) Scheme. Supporters' donations go directly to Moot Hill and are a practical way for people to help us care for Moot Hill. Regular giving through the scheme funds essential work such as conservation

management, repairs, signage, and improving access, all of which keep the site safe,

welcoming, and free to visit. Supporters receive a newsletter, exclusive “Director’s Tour” and car sticker, as well as invites to our AGM.

NAT is also offering a free talk to community groups about the Norfolk Archaeological Trust, its past, present and future. Please get in touch with Fran Young at visitorexperience@norfarchtrust.org.uk if you are interested. This offer is only available for talks booked to take place in 2026.

Natalie Butler, Director at 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.”

South Norfolk Councillor Graham Minshull said: "The main aim is to make Moot Hill a place that everyone can visit by providing access to the public. We are thrilled to see this beautiful site starting to open up so that Wymondham residents can enjoy this incredible local asset."

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.”

And 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."

Moot Hill is temporarily closed to the public. For more news and updates, visit https://www.norfarchtrust.org.uk/project/moot-hill/