Lexden Mount

Lexden Mount is believed to be the burial place of a British leader or tribal king and dates back to the Iron Age, possibly around the 1st century BC. It is part of the larger Lexden Tumulus, which is a notable archaeological site. The mound is thought to be linked to King Cunobelinus, a British ruler referenced in historical writings as the inspiration for Shakespeare’s character Cymbeline. Cunobelinus led the Trinovantes and Catuvellauni tribes and ruled much of southeastern Britain before the Roman invasion. While it's debated whether Lexden Mount was his final resting place, its impressive size and location suggest it belonged to someone of great significance.

 The area surrounding Lexden Mount is rich in history as Colchester is the oldest recorded town in Britain, known in Roman times as Camulodunum. Before the Romans arrived, this site was the capital of the Trinovantes. Lexden Mount sits on the edge of what was a major settlement and provides insight into the tribal cultures that existed before the Roman conquest in AD 43. Camulodunum became an important hub for Roman administration and military operations, and archaeological finds near the mound show how local British traditions and Roman influences coexisted during this time.

 Excavations at Lexden Mount in the early 20th century uncovered many artifacts, including jewelry, pottery, and a bronze medallion thought to have been given by the Roman Emperor Augustus. These discoveries have provided valuable information about the high-status individuals buried here and their links to the broader Roman world, even prior to the official invasion.

 What makes Lexden Mount particularly interesting is its connection to other burial sites and ancient monuments around Colchester. It is located near other Iron Age and Roman structures, including the defensive earthworks that surrounded Camulodunum, as well as several other burial mounds in the area.

 Today, Lexden Mount is a peaceful green space amid modern development, yet it still holds a sense of mystery and historical significance.